29 August 2016, 12:20 GMT
Last week Brazilian stunner Suzi Cortez teamed up with Russia's 2018 FIFA World Cup mascot, Zabivaka the cheeky wolf, for a photo-shoot that thrilled fans.
Suzi, who is also Brazil's reigning Miss BumBum, told Sputnik Brasil that she was delighted to continue her association with the Russian team, which started during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The organizers of the 2014 tournament chose Cortez to be the face of the Russian team, since they decided she bears a likeness to Russian actress Ekaterina Guseva.
Suzy Cortez
© Photo : Suzy Cortez
"I was the muse of the Russian team during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I went to matches and got to know some sporting figures. Since then, the Russian people have been very sweet to me, I have a lot of fans there," Suzy explained.
Suzy Cortez
© Photo : Suzy Cortez
"Now I live in London, and somebody from the World Cup Organizing Committee approached my agent in Brazil and asked if I would participate in this promotion, since my image is already connected with Russia."
Suzy Cortez
© Photo : Suzy Cortez
Next year's FIFA Confederations Cup will also take place in Russia, and Suzy will attend the tournament and discuss her possible participation in the 2018 World Cup promotional campaign with the Russian Football Union.
Suzy Cortez
© Photo : Suzy Cortez
"I did this test shoot in order to pay tribute to the Russian people," Suzy said, adding that her fans were really pleased with the result.
"My fans, not only in Russia, were delighted, and I got a lot of messages with kind words," said the model, who also works as a TV presenter.
Suzy Cortez
© Photo : Suzy Cortez
Suzy was asked to evaluate the Russian team's chances of success, and whether she knows of any Russian players.
"I hope the Russian team gets to the final," the Brazilian said.
Suzy Cortez
© Photo : Suzy Cortez
"I have seen that at the moment they (the Russian team) aren't playing that well, but I hope they improve before the championship. I know (Andrey) Arshavin, who played here for Arsenal."
Suzy Cortez
© Photo : Suzy Cortez
Russia's World Cup 2018 mascot Zabivaka the cheeky wolf was unveiled as tournament talisman on Russian television on Saturday. Zabivaka beat off competition from a cat and a tiger, winning winning 53 percent of the Russian public vote.
Suzy Cortez
© Photo : Suzy Cortez
Suzy enjoyed the photoshoot with Zabivaka, whose name is related to a Russian verb that can be used to mean "hammer" or "drive" home a goal.
Suzy Cortez
© Photo : Suzy Cortez
"In comparison to Brazil's 2014 World Cup mascot (an armadillo called Fuleco), there are a lot of differences. Actually, I didn't like the Brazil mascot, but I think Zabivaka is very charming and beautiful, and I'm sure that he will bring a lot of luck to Russia!" Suzy said.
