Dan Benson having a ball in 'friendly' Russia

Former Whanganui footballer Dan Benson has arrived at the Fifa World Cup in Russia.

Former Whanganui footballer Dan Benson says Russia has exceeded expectations.

Benson is there for the Fifa World Cup which kicked off this week as he ends an OE which began with the 2014 cup in Brazil.

"First two games have been amazing atmospheres but disappointing performances from Germany and Argentina," he told the Chronicle from Moscow.

The city itself had been the highlight, he said.

"Friendly locals, actually quite cheap for decent food and drink and very welcoming. The scenery and architecture is amazing."

Benson said it was a lot more friendly than expected.

"We've had the chance to see most of the city as well as the night life and it's all been awesome.

Dan Benson has seen Argentina's draw with Iceland and Germany's loss to Mexico.

"Very little English, especially on the underground which makes it hard but it's all part of the experience."

Benson's next matches are Poland v Senegal and Portugal v Morocco.

Meanwhile, Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall's rooster Grizzles, which he has recruited to predict the outcome of matches, recovered from incorrectly guessing Saudi Arabia would beat Russia in the opening game to pick five out of six matches over the weekend.

Grizzles assess Iceland vs Argentina.