体坛英语新闻：Putin hopes Russia to host 2018 World Cup

MOSCOW, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Thursday Russia has a chance to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

"I think the chance for Russia to win the right to host a World Cup is very high, taking into account that Russia has not held such competitions before," the Russian media quoted Putin as saying.

The prime minister said Russia has strong rivals, though Russia would try its best to win the right.

He admitted the final decision would be made by FIFA.

FIFA will choose the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup on Dec.2 in Zurich. Russia's rivals include Portugal, Spain, Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands (jointly), the United States, Australia, Japan, Qatar, and South Korea.