Kadyrov Invokes Aid of Allah to Propel Home Team to Finals: Chechnya Decides to Cheer For Russia

— Let's go to Grozny. Ramzan Kadyrov, the President of the Chechen Republic is on the line. Ramzan Akhmatovich, hello, and welcome. Tell us something. As far as we know, you love, cherish, and respect the Egyptian team. You're friends with Salah, we've seen a picture of you two in a car. As an active social network user, you've probably seen the joke "We'll have a good game now". Or, perhaps, another version of this joke. Please, talk to us. Tell us what they're hoping for, what's up with Salah.

Ramzan Kadyrov, the President of the Chechen Republic: Good evening, everybody, hello. I really do know them very well, better than any other teams. Mohamed Salah and I got to know each other well. They're in it to win it, and I'm sure our team feels the same way. They're motivated, they beat Saudi Arabia 5:0, and I'm sure they'll keep making us happy. Although the Egyptian players are very good, I'm sure our guys can take them. I'm sure we'll show them a good, professional game.

— Ramzan Akhmatovich, we know you've welcomed the Egyptian team. Did they get to try the famous Chechen zhizhig-galnash? Will you watch the game with your country? What do you expect as far as the results go?

 

— We've actually invited them over to have zhizhig-galnash tomorrow. I think we'll be in a great mood if tonight's game will allow it. If the Russian team wins tonight, zhizhig-galnash will taste really good. And if we lose, Allah forbid, zhizhig-galnash will just be average. As far as my prediction goes, I always believe in our team, I believe they can win. A game is a game, it's all up to God, it's the matter of who's luckier. Each one of our players has his own strengths, and our coach, Cherchesov, is one of the best. I pray to Allah for our victory tonight.

— As Ramzan Kadyrov has said, "Allah forbid, we lose".

— Thank you.

— Ramzan Akhmatovich, there's another thing. People have composed songs about you, jokingly suggesting you should be our coach. I can't quote it on TV due to obscene language, but they implied you'd make them win. What are your thoughts on that?

— To be honest, I don't know that much about soccer. We have the best coach, Mr. Stanislav Cherchesov, all the pros have selected him. If we'll need to defend our country, I'm up for that, I'm ready. I'll do my best and I'm sure I'll do a great job.

— Let's consider that your official statement. Ramzan Kadyrov, thank you again.