Defiant Putin welcomes World Cup as Russia win

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group A - Russia vs Saudi Arabia - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - June 14, 2018 Russia President Vladimir Putin before the match REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia welcomed the world to the soccer World Cup on Thursday as fans streamed in, the hosts savoured a 5-0 victory on the pitch and President Vladimir Putin's government derided Western efforts to isolate him.

The Kremlin leader, greeted by a huge cheer ahead of the hosts' opening game against Saudi Arabia, spoke of showing the world a hospitable Russia and of sport overcoming differences.