Capello extends Russia contract

The 67-year-old took over from Dick Advocaat in July 2012 and successfully guided the country to qualification for this summer's tournament in Brazil, losing just two games as they topped Uefa's Group F ahead of Portugal.

Capello's previous deal was due to expire afterwards, but he has now been rewarded with an extension until the end of the 2018 World Cup, which Russia will host.

"I am grateful to the president of the RFU (Russian Football Union) and to the Russian minister of sport (Vitaly Mutko) for their confidence in me," the Italian said in a statement on the RFU's official website.

"I am very pleased to continue working with Russia. We have big plans and I will do everything I can to ensure the Russian fans are happy."

Russia have been paired with Belgium, Algeria and South Korea in Group H at this summer's World Cup.

They failed to qualify for the previous two editions of the World Cup, while they were eliminated in the group stages in 2002.