Nearly perfect 10: Blatter awards Brazil 9.25 for special World Cup, chides FIFA over racism

Germany's team captain Philipp Lahm, second left, receives the World Cup trophy by Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff and FIFA President Sepp Blatter, right, during the World Cup final soccer match between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, July 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) (The Associated Press)

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, FIFA President Sepp Blatter, center, and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, watch the opening ceremony of the World Cup final soccer match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, July 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) (The Associated Press)

RIO DE JANEIRO – FIFA President Sepp Blatter says Brazil deserves 9.25 out of 10 for organizing a World Cup that was "very special" because of high quality football.

Giving his tournament report on Monday, Blatter criticizes FIFA for not better tackling incidents of fan discrimination in stadiums.

Blatter says he spoke with Russia President Vladimir Putin at Sunday's final about making the issue a priority at the 2018 World Cup there.

Blatter dismisses jeers targeted at him and Brazil state President Dilma Rousseff when they presented the trophy at Maracana Stadium.

He says "if you are in this business you have to live with that."

Blatter was "a little bit surprised" that Argentina star Lionel Messi won the best player award, and says he feels for Luis Suarez who was banned for biting.