Former Miss Russia launches charm offensive as police assure England fans of safety at World Cup 2018

Former Miss Russia Victoria Lopyreva has launched a
charm offensive ahead of next summer's World Cup.
With the World Cup qualifying stage coming to an end
this week, attention is now turning to the finals
tournament.
There are fears over violence and security, particularly
among England fans, following horrific clashes at Euro
2016.
But Lopyreva, who is the goodwill ambassador for the
tournament, believes the major sporting event will run
smoothly.
"It's a huge moment for our country to stage the
World Cup. We are very friendly, very open and really
looking forward to having guests from other
countries," she said.
"I know some people in other countries in Europe have
a different mood about what might happen in Russia,
about whether it is dangerous, about whether the
people here might not be happy to have foreign
guests. I would like to say this is not true.
“If maybe in the past some people hesitated about
coming to Russia, I believe that after the World Cup
there will be no doubt and people will find that this is
a really nice country."
Lopyreva, who was recently pictured with Manchester
United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan, is one of a number of
people trying to dispel fears over hooliganism.
Moscow police chief Andrey Zakharov hopes England
fans will make the trip despite the ugly scenes last
summer.
"It is definitely safe for English fans to come here.
They are just like Russian fans," he said.
“Everything will be secure. There is nothing to be
afraid of, we are ready to ensure their security during
the World Cup.”

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