Russia is disappointed but leaves the World Cup with pride

The World Cup of Russia ended on penalties after a quarter-final against Croatia on Saturday, and the hosts left the scene after winning the admiration of local and foreign supporters for their indomitable spirit.

The hosts arrived at the tournament as the lowest-ranked team, but defied expectations by reaching the quarterfinals, beating Spain's 2010 world champion in the round of 16.

Fans at home might not have expected such a spectacle from their players, who were quickly adopted as national heroes.

Russia's head coach Stanislav Cherchesov said his team was naturally disappointed with the result.

"I think the key word is how we go – it's better to leave when you feel proud," Cherchesov told reporters. "We have no chance of winning this Cup and of course we are sad, but we have shown our value."

Fyodor Smolov got his first penalty saved by Danijel Subasic and, although Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saved a kick from Mateo Kovacic, their fate seemed sealed when Mario Fernandes shot wide of their third attempt .

Cherchesov said the hosts, who were ranked 70th by FIFA before the World Cup, should aim higher.

"From the first second, I brought this team together, I knew where she was headed," added the coach. "We have succeeded, I believe, but it is time to take a step forward."

Cherchesov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had called him before the match and after.

"Vladimir Putin spoke to me during the day and he called me right now, and congratulated me for a very good match," said Cherchesov. "We told him we were disappointed, he said we had to keep our eyes open and take the next steps."

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko, former Minister of Sports of the country, said that Russia had shown that it could play well against a powerful opponent.

"I am very disappointed with the result but on the other hand, I am very proud of the guys," Mutko said in comments published by the RIA Novosti news agency.

"They fought, it was a real playoff match against not the weakest team in the world, we had decent looks and penalties, that's a question luck … and destiny. "

Denis Cheryshev, who scored his fourth goal of the tournament by giving Russia the lead with a left foot late in the game in the 31st minute, said the players had left everything on the ground.

"We tried, I think the whole team gave 100 percent, but that did not happen, I think the penalties are a lottery, we go home," Cheryshev told Match TV. "Scoring four goals is good, but if the team does not go ahead, it's useless.

"I'm happy to have scored goals, but the most important thing is to help the team, today we have not managed to win and I am disappointed." (Additional report by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber, edited by Christian Radnedge)