Russians say they are proud of their World Cup campaign.

Brazil Agency – Russia lost and was eliminated from the competition, but the feeling of frustration over the defeat was soon replaced by pride in the performance of the host nation of the 2018 World Cup.

Historian Helena Serebrykva, 28, has lived in Brazil for five years and believes that Russia proved it was capable of continuing in the competition, despite being eliminated. For the Russian, the overall outcome of the World Cup for the country is positive.

"The World Cup opened Russia to the world and made people much more familiar with the country. Brazilians today know many things about Russia that they didn't know before," she said, adding that she believes the Russians played well in their last game. "Russia played very well and defended until the last minute. It was great."

Although hockey is the preferred sport of Russians, the historian believes that football is another growing passion in the country. "We are not known as a football country, but we also love this sport."

Nervousness
While the 90 minutes of play against Croatia rarely saw the Russians rise from their seats, the final minutes of extra time were filled with tension after Russia managed to equalize again and take the game to penalties.

For the Russians, it was yet another test of endurance: the match against Croatia was the second in a row decided by penalties, and anxiety spread through the bar on the Rio de Janeiro waterfront.

Tour guide Tatiana Elfimova, 68, has been in Brazil for 25 years and says she didn't expect Russia to go so far in the competition. She said she was proud of her country because the players never gave up at any point in the tournament.

"Even though they lost, they are heroes. We suffered and wanted them to win, but what can you do? A game is a game," she said, believing that the resounding victory in their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia was enough to win the tournament. "Screw the rest. Winning the first game 5-0 was worth everything."

Brazilian Isabel Guidão, 42, brought her husband to cheer on the team at Belmonte. A Russian teacher and passionate about Russian literature, she says that, with Brazil's elimination, she was hoping the home team would go as far as possible.

"Now that the World Cup is over, I'm sad. When Brazil lost yesterday, I still had the enthusiasm to root for Russia," he said. "I find Russian history and especially its literature beautiful. Dostoevsky, Tolstoy. That's what captivated me."