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Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

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It is a pleasure to welcome athletes,

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fans and spectators from around the world,

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all our guests and everyone who loves football.

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We are just a few minutes away from the beginning of a grand football 

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celebration, the Confederations Cup.

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For the first time in history our country,

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Russia will welcome the strongest teams of the continents.

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Allow me to first of all express my appreciation to FIFA and to you,

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Mr Infantino, for your commitment to the ideals of sport,

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for your trust in our country, for cooperation and assistance 

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in preparing this milestone event,

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a remarkable tournament which will be the final rehearsal 

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for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

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We are united in believing that football should serve the purpose 

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of social development, should unite nations and continents,

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reaffirm the values of fair play, enhance determination and faith,

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inspire, and offer a dream to the younger generation.

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Hundreds of thousands of people in Russia are in love with football.

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Our responsibility and commitment is to hold the Confederations Cup 

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at the highest possible level.

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I am confident that our visitors will get to know Russia,

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a hospitable nation that is friendly, open to the world,

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will get to know St Petersburg and Moscow, Kazan and Sochi,

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wonderful cities with their own history and vibrant lives.

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It is here, on modern football pitches, that uncompromising,

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fair and honest play will unfold until the very last 

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moments of the match.

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I am certain that millions of people on the planet will see a beautiful 

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captivating show, the art of football masters,

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a real triumph of sport. I wish success to both the teams and fans.

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Dear friends, let us watch football! Welcome to Russia!