Quote: Russian pride was shattered when its team was denied a place at the world's most-watched sporting event, currently under way in South Africa, when they were defeated by Slovenia in the qualifying stage.
The poll, conducted by Russia's Levada Centre between the 18th and the 22nd of June, surveyed 1,600 Russian adults across 130 cities.
Brazil - currently pegged a favourite by several bookmakers - came top of the poll, with 33 per cent of Russians believing the football powerhouse would take home the trophy.
Two per cent of those polled said Turkey, a prime Russian tourist spot but also absent from the Cup, would win. | 
