We were told to escape hooligans and racism, among other things. That the 2018 World Cup wouldn’t have the magic of previous World Cups. This was a prevalent view, explaining why only a few thousand England fans made the trip east for the start of the group stage. While some 30,000 supporters journeyed to Brazil for the last World Cup, some estimates state only 3,000 England fans are in Russia this summer.
This was reflected in some of the players’ comments before the tournament. Danny Rose, for instance, admitted that he told his family to stay away for fears of hooliganism and racism. However, the England left back went back on those remarks this week. His family might well join him in Russia after all.
While this is just one example, it does reflect a wider discussion. This World Cup is shaping up as one of the best ever. The tournament is coming to the boil nicely, with some great moments and matches already in the can. But off the pitch is where this World Cup has surprised many. Russia is putting on quite the show.
Of course, none of this counters the actions of Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin in general. Russia, as a political force, is a war-mongering superstate intent on disrupting the west in any way it can. As we have seen in the invasion of Crimea and the interference in the 2016 US presidential election, Russia, at this moment, cannot be trusted.
But as a people, Russia have embraced this World Cup. Visitors to the country for the tournament speak of warm welcomes and a willingness to accommodate. There seems to be an awareness of how they are viewed by the outside world and that has resulted in many of them going the extra distance to satisfy and give a good impression of Russia.
General knowledge of the biggest country on the planet isn’t as sharp as it perhaps should be and some have been struck by just how culturally diverse Russia is. Moscow is very different to Ekaterinburg, the furthest east host city at this World Cup. Samara is very different to Sochi. This might actually be the most culturally diverse World Cup to date.
The success or failure of the 2018 World Cup in Russia won’t be truly judged until the final has been played, the trophy has been handed out and the ticker-tape has settled at the Luzhniki Stadium on July 15. But perhaps we should consider our own mistakes in making such presumptions about such a vast and varied country. Whatever happens between now and the end of the tournament, we’ll have learned something.
