Putin awards Russia’s chief coach with Alexander Nevsky Order

Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the Russia national football team’s coaching staff and players with state awards on Saturday according to TASS.

The Russian team’s chief coach Stanislav Cherchesov was bestowed with the Alexander Nevsky Order, in recognition of his efforts in guiding the team to the World Cup quarter-finals.

The Order of Honor was awarded to goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev,hero in the team’s dramatic penalty shootout win against Spain in the last 16 stage and central defender Sergey Ignashevich,who returned to the team aged 38 amid a defensive injury crisis just before the World Cup. Honorary certificates were also given to other players and coaches.

The Order of Alexander Nevskyis an order of merit of the Russian Federation. Itis named in honour of saint Alexander Nevskya key Russian figure in the 13th century.The award is intended for those people who have achieved a great feat in front of Russia.

This summer Russia hosted its first-ever FIFA World Cup, which kicked off in Moscow at Luzhniki Stadium on June 14.