Russia made a compelling statement about their restart on the international stage with a resounding 11-0 win against Sudan at the first-ever Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan’s Baku.
This will be Russia’s first FIFA event since it was suspended following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Participation: FIFA extended invitations to all 211 member associations, although Ukraine refused to take part due to the presence of Russia.
Russia, who made their comeback, celebrated success in style with members of their family carrying a huge flag before kick-off while fans cheered every goal.
Head coach Denis Pervushin was pleased to have had the chance to compete and looked forward to all other Russian national teams being able to play again in international football.
“In the immediate future I hope we will be in the upper layers of the ages,” Pervushin said.
Nevertheless he refused to answer questions on Ukraine’s non-entry, the fairness of the ban and whether the opposing players would refuse to compete against Russia.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously attacked the exclusion of Russia, saying that this had only brought frustration without hitting the mark.
The possibility of the return of Russia’s men’s and women’s senior team to FIFA and UEFA competition remains uncertain as the under-15 team competed.
Matvii Bidnyi, the sports minister, said Russia’s invitation was “an act of admiration for a terrorist state” in a statement.
Russia will come up against Turkey, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Djibouti in the next round of the competition.
