Russians are embracing their role as hosts for jubilent soccer fans. While some commentators say the international guests will help dispel Western media myths, others argue the exchange could undermine Kremlin control.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/K. Desouki
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Up to one million people are expected to visit Russia before the end of 2018 FIFA World Cup, and hundreds of thousands of fans have already flocked to Moscow and the ten other cities hosting the matches.
Russian authorities have gone a long way to present the country in the best light possible, instructing police to smile, removing stray dogs, and even reportedly renovating holding cells and equipping them with TVs so any detained troublemakers could still keep up with the tournament.
Meanwhile, ordinary Russians seem eager to make their visitors feel welcome. Many of them go to fan zones to talk, celebrate and party with foreign visitors. According to Russian media, this mass-scale contact between Russia and the rest of the world could have far-reaching consequences after years of propaganda from all sides.
Both good and bad
"Well then, ole. Ole-ole-ole," writes columnist Irina Pertrovskaya in the government-critical Novaya Gazeta. "Soccer madness (both in the good and the not-so-good sense of the word) is at a fever pitch."
"The good meaning of it is that, apparently, this gloomy and semi-isolated country, after many years of television urging it to hate foreigners and be proud of God knows what, is fawning over this soccer holiday and the possibility of walking together with exotic 'newcomers' on city streets," Pertrovskaya says.
"The not-so-good meaning is that this same television is now going into patriotic hysteria, especially on those days when the Russian national team is playing. All that shouting 'Go, Russia' during broadcasts day and night makes your ears ring."
Fans bring 'positive energy' to Russia
Economist Igor Nikolayev also thinks that "one of the brightest impressions of this event are the foreign fans and their positive energy, their wonderful relationship to the country hosting the cup, to Russians" — and this despite misconceptions of Russia served to the foreigners by their own media.
In a blog entry for independent radio Echo Moskvy, Nikolayev says that these foreigners' cheerful goodwill undermines the Russian government's rallying cry that the country is a "fortress under siege," and that Russia's "enemies [are] everywhere, both within and abroad ... and that is why we need to rally around the government, which is pushing against the enemies with all its might."
Regarding the masses of good-spirited foreign soccer fans traveling to Russia, Nikolayev writes: "We are supposed to believe that those people are representatives of countries who want to harm Russia? Nonsense. Then why should we lock ourselves up in this 'fortress' that nobody is about to besiege?"
"No, nobody is besieging us. We can see it and know it. If you have your doubts, go along to Moscow's Nikolskaya Street, the most intense fan-zone of the championship. Go on, you won't regret it."
According to Nikolayev, it "feels like the government miscalculated this soccer thing" by vying to organize the cup.
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Hungry for freedom
Writing for the Kommersant Daily, a liberal business newspaper, Andrei Percev comments on the atmosphere of freedom and relaxation brought about by the World Cup. Friendly attitudes by the police and the authorities give people a glimpse of a different Russia, he says.
"It's natural to have the police help stranded people, instead of grabbing them and taking them downtown," Percev writes. "Wearing flamboyant and extravagant clothing is also normal and natural. It's natural not to have intrusive fences around the city."
Russians' enthusiasm for this newfound leniency is "the starkest testimony that we really don't have enough freedom," he says.
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Harder to lie about Russia
The World Cup also prompts foreign visitors to dismiss their stereotypes about Russia, according to Russian political scientist and writer Alexei Muhin.
"In recent years, Western media has created a distinct image of Russia, like a reflection in a distorted mirror," he sys in an interview for the pro-government newspaper Pravda. "Some of the tourists who are now coming to the World Cup are surprised and asking why there is no snow, no bears in the streets, and so on."
"As a matter of fact, this enormous number of visitors is going to do a major service to changing the world's perception of Russia," the pro-Kremlin publicist adds. "Now, the Western media is going to find it very difficult to lie to its citizens because part of them, a very decent part, traveled to Russia and saw it all for themselves."
World Cup 2018: Memorable moments
The World Cup has provided us with numerous exciting matches since it kicked off on June 14. Here are some of the most memorable moments of Russia 2018 so far.
Image: REUTERS
Champions du Monde
Rain could not dampen the spirits of the French team as they lifted the World Cup trophy at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. They beat Croatia 4-2 in the final to win their second ever World Cup.
Image: Reuters/
Best ever finish
Despite missing out on the final, Belgium were all smiles as they beat England 2-0 in the third place playoff. With the victory, the Red Devils confirmed their best ever finish at a World Cup.
Image: Reuters/T. Hanai
A new teammate?
Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic (from left to right) celebrate with a photographer they had just bowled over in their excitement after Mandzukic scored Croatia's winning goal in their semifinal against England. It looks like the photographer was okay.
Image: imago/PanoramiC/A. Birard
Into the final
France coach Didier Deschamps embraces Samuel Umtiti after their semifinal win over Belgium. Umtiti scored the only goal France would need to reach their first final since 2006. The win means that Deschamps will get the opportunity to become just the third man to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, having been part of the 1998 team that won the title at home in Paris.
Image: Reuters/L. Smith
New England hero
Harry Maguire scores his first international goal in England's 2-0 quarterfinal win over Sweden. The Leicester City defender, who traveled to France to watch England as a fan, has been one of the feel-good stories of this World Cup
Image: Reuters/L. Smith
Belgium beat Brazil
Romelu Lukaku celebrates after Belgium beat Brazil to make their first ever World Cup semifinals. The Manchester United striker delivered another brilliant performance to help his team to victory on another historic night in Kazan.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/F. Seco
Penalty hero
England finally won a penalty shoot-out at a major tournament, thanks to Eric Dier (pictured above) and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. After a dramatic Round of 16 game, Gareth Southgate's side made history.
Image: picture-alliance/T. Goode
Comeback complete
Nacer Chadli finishes off a swift move that started with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to score Belgium's third goal against Japan deep into time added on in their last 16 clash in Rostov Arena. This completed Belgium's comeback after they had gone down 2-0 in the 52nd minute.
Image: Reuters/T. Hanai
Heroic shot stopper
Ivan Rakitic scored for Croatia to win the penalty shootout over Denmark, which put the Balkan nation through to the quarterfinals, but it was Danijel Subasic who was the real hero, stopping three shots in the shootout.
Image: Reuters/C. Barria
Hometown hero
Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev stopped two in the penalty shootout to send Spain packing. Here he stops Iago Aspas' effort, his second save, which sent the Cinderella host nation through to the quarterfinals.
Image: Reuters/K. Pfaffenbach
A helping hand
Edinson Cavani provided the two goals Uruguay would need to get past Portugal in the round of 16, but in the 74th minute he was forced to hobble off injured. Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo rushed over to help him off. A sporting gesture? Perhaps. But with Uruguay in the lead, maybe CR7 was just making sure there was no time-wasting on Cavani's part.
Image: Reuters/M. Sezer
Major blow
Some moments are memorable for the wrong reasons. Colombian fans would love to forget this one. James Rodriguez limps off the pitch injured after half an hour of play in his country's last group stage match against Senegal. Even without their biggest star, Colombia won the match to finish top of Group H.
Image: Reuters/M. Brindicci
South Korea eliminate Germany
Son Heung-Min wheels away in delight after doubling South Korea's lead in the dying moments of their Group F clash with Germany in Kazan. The win sent Germany crashing out in the opening round of a World Cup for the first time since 1938. A devastating loss for the reigning world champions.
Image: Reuters/J. Sibley
Messi finally arrives in Russia
It all happened in a matter of seconds, but it was the moment football fans around the world had been waiting for. Ever Banega supplied the pin-point pass and, two sublime touches later, Lionel Messi was picking out the top corner with his weaker foot. After being late to the party in the group stages, Argentina's star man has a chance to make amends with France to come in the Round of 16.
Image: Getty Images/A. Morton
Guerrero's crowning moment
After having a doping ban temporarily lifted in order to feature at the World Cup in Russia, Paolo Guerrero assisted Peru's first and scored their second in a 2-0 win over Australia. It was a true captain's performance, helping Peru secure their first World Cup win since beating Iran back in 1978.
Image: Reuters/M. Rossi
Ronaldo's emotional rollercoaster
Cristiano Ronaldo was at the heart of a series of VAR incidents as Portugal drew 1-1 with Iran, finishing as runners-up in Group B. CR7 had a penalty saved by Ali Beiranvand and also picked up a yellow following a review as Iran's players called for him to be sent off for an incident with Morteza Pouraliganji. A tough end to a what had been a glittering group stage campaign.
Image: Reuters/I. Alvarado
Striking from the spot
Harry Kane scored a first-half hat trick for England in their 6-1 win over Panama in Group G. The Tottenham Hotspur striker already has five goals in the tournament, putting him in the running for the golden boot. Panama also made history scoring their first ever goal at a World Cup courtesy of Felipe Baloy.
Image: Reuters/M. Childs
Life in the old dog yet
Toni Kroos curls home Germany's 95th-minute winner against Sweden. Despite a positive start in Sochi, the same carelessness which had been so costly against Mexico was present again, and Kroos was a major culprit. But the Real Madrid star demonstrated all his experience and class with this free-kick to spare the reigning champions' blushes.
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A game of two halves with a political twist
Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates his dramatic stoppage time winner over Serbia by making an Albainian eagle gesture with his hands. He and fellow goalscorer Granit Xhaka, who also made the gesture, are of Albanian descent, their families having fleed to Switzerland during the Balkan war. The pair were booed throughout by the match by Serbia fans.
Image: Getty Images/C. Rose
Argentina falter in the other group of death
If Germany have it bad after their defeat to Mexico, Argentina's second match against Croatia put the giants in dire straits. Slumping to a 3-0 defeat, triggered by a goalkeeping howler, Lionel Messi and co. no longer have their group stage fate in their own hands. Messi, 30, has already "retired" briefly from international football once before; if he goes to Qatar, it surely won't be at his peak.
Image: picture-alliance/empics/D. Klein
A surprise guest
Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter made a shock appearance as Portugal beat Morocco 1-0 on Wednesday. The 82-year-old said he was invited to the tournament by Russian President Vladimir Putin. His successor Gianni Infantino was also at the fixture, according to FIFA's list of dignitaries. "I am still president, just suspended," Blatter told Russian channel RT.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/V. Maximov
The Egyptian king is back
Less than a month after the Champions League final, when he sustained a shoulder injury that some thought could threaten his World Cup, Mohamed Salah returned to the pitch. Liverpool's Egyptian king first drew a foul that led to a penalty and then converted from the spot. But it was a mere consolation as Egypt lost 3-1 to hosts Russia and lost their chance of progressing to the knockout stage.
Image: Reuters/L. Smith
Kane and able
Harry Kane scored England's first ever second-half stoppage time World Cup goal to give the Three Lions all three points against Tunisia. Kane had given England a deserved early lead before Tunisia equalized with a controversial penalty. But captain Kane popped up again in injury time with a back-post header to win it for Gareth Southgate's team.
Image: Reuters/G. Garanich
Beyond Neuer's reach
Germany lost their first match at a World Cup for the first time since 1982, when West Germany lost 2-1 to Algeria. This time they fell 1-0 to Mexico. Joachim Löw's men were beaten by a better organized and more energetic Mexican side. Even Germany's No. 1, Manuel Neuer, couldn't prevent the defeat.
Image: Reuters/C. Hartmann
A draw that felt like a victory
Undeterred by the driving rain, Icelandic fans in Reykjakvik followed their team's first-ever World Cup match on large video screens set up in the heart of the capital. After the match, they celebrated their team's 1-1 draw with 2014 finalists Argentina as if it had been a victory.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/H. Kolbeins
Messi misses from the spot
Superstar Lionel Messi and the rest of the Argentinian national team had their problems with Iceland in their opening match in Group D. The 2014 finalists could only manage a 1-1 draw, and Messi, the five-time world footballer of the year, often looked very ordinary indeed. In the 64th minute, he even failed to score from the penalty spot.
Image: Reuters/C. Recine
Political message
Shortly before the match between Iran and Morocco kicked off, the Iranian government banned outdoor public gatherings to watch the game. In St. Petersburg, though, Iranian women, who would not be allowed into a stadium in their homeland, took the opportunity to make their view known.
Image: Reuters/D. Martinez
Five star hosts
One of the lowest-profile opening games to grace any World Cup wasn't much of a contest. Russia were far too good for a poor Saudi Arabia side and ran out 5-0 winners. Denis Cheryshev (center) came off the bench to score the second and added another sensational strike in injury time.
Image: Reuters/C. Recine
"El Gasico"
The opening fixture of this year's tournament between two of the world's biggest gas exporters, Saudi Arabia and Russia, was ironically dubbed "El Gasico" by some fans. Here, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud chats to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, while Russian President Vladimir Putin watches the action.
Image: picture-alliance/TASS/A. Druzhinin
Among the stars
Putin (second from left) also made an appearance before the opening with a plethora of footballing greats. Lothar Matthäus (far left), Pele and Maradona (center), Jay Jay Okocha (far right) and Kanu (back right) were also in attendance.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa//TASS/M. Metzel
The show starter
More than 500 local dancers, gymnasts and performers joined pop star Robbie Williams and Russian soprano Aida Garifullina on stage at the tournament's opening ceremony. Shorter than most such events, the 15-minute-long display also featured speeches from Russian President Vladimir Putin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Image: picture-alliance/empics/T. Goode
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'Don't leave us alone over here'
"Dear god, we are a part of the world," says documentary filmmaker Yulia Melamed in her column for the government-critical Gazeta.ru. "It turns out, we are sane, everyone loves us, we love everyone."
"This experience of joy and unity, of feeling like a part of Europe is not just going to go away. It will stay and cause changes. Maybe even revolutionary changes. Revolutions don't happen on the streets, they happen inside your heads," Melamed writes.
At the same time, the filmaker warns that, according to Russian history, too much contact with Europe can rouse suspicion from the authorities and prompt them to launch a crackdown.
"Dear guests, don't leave, don't leave us alone over here, one on one with officials and security forces as they wake up," she writes.
