At 23: 00 Beijing time on June 18 (local time on June 18), the opening match of the 2 1 World Cup will be held in Moscow. The four-year contract for the Green Festival is coming in one month, and what kind of World Cup Russia will bring when it becomes the host for the first time is highly anticipated.
Under the "embattled",
Can Russia successfully host the World Cup?
From the exposure of bribery scandal to the criticism of racism, from the criticism of football hooligans to the fear of terrorist threats, from the questioning of reception and security capabilities to the controversy over venue construction ... Russia has been in the whirlpool of public opinion since it won the right to host the World Cup at the end of 20 10.
In March this year, Russia was caught in a diplomatic dilemma due to the poisoning case of former agent Krippahl's father and daughter, and many politicians and some heavyweights even voiced their boycott of this World Cup.
This dilemma was obviously unexpected when Russia applied for the World Cup. But it is precisely because of this that successfully hosting this competition is a "just need" for Russia, which is currently in adversity. On this stage attracting global attention this summer, Russia will do its utmost to show its great power as an excellent host, win more positive comments and public support, and improve the current "embattled" situation.
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said after visiting the First Olympic Stadium in Sochi that Russia's preparations for the 20 18 World Cup have basically ended. On the same day, after listening to the report of Russia's preparatory work, FIFA President infantino also said that Russia has worked hard to complete all the preparatory work, and FIFA is looking forward to hosting this World Cup with Russia as a unique and unforgettable sports event.
Utilitarian football is very popular,
Can the World Cup in Russia be a classic?
▲ New World Cup Stadium in Kaliningrad, Russia
Looking through the dusty historical data of the World Cup, the records of classic battles basically belong to the patents of the last century, and those pictures and plots that have made people excited so far have become treasures in the lives of fans.
However, after entering the new century, with the expansion of commercial interests, utilitarian football has become increasingly popular. In the minds of many coaches and players, the result of the game becomes the only criterion to measure the success or failure of the game, and the artistry and appreciation of the game process fall victim to "conservatism" and "1:0".
With Italy, the four-time World Cup champion, and Holland, the uncrowned king, eliminated in the qualifying round, the "Blue Army" and "Orange Storm", which brought great enjoyment to the audience, will become memories in Russia, and many fans think that the appreciation of this World Cup will be further discounted.
But modern football has been going on for more than a hundred years. In this World Cup cycle, new characters and stories have been added. Therefore, although it is difficult to predict the progress and results of this World Cup, some events have already been "scheduled" because of the "grievances" in the football rivers and lakes.
Power plummeted,
Has Russia become the second country after South Africa?
Worst host?
There is a famous "host law" in the history of the World Cup: the host must qualify in groups. However, this "law" was broken in the 20 10 World Cup in South Africa, and the South African team was eliminated in the group stage.
As the host of this World Cup, the Russian team is also in an awkward position. Since the disintegration of the former Soviet Union, the Russian team has never won the group qualifying right in the World Cup. Last year, when the group drew lots, the world ranking of the Russian team was even lower than that of the participating teams. In the latest world ranking published by FIFA, Russia barely surpassed Saudi Arabia to rank among the top 32.
However, in this competition, the "fighting nation" will not be willing to become the second South African team. As the host, Russia, one of the seed teams, won the right to host the games as expected, and was placed in Group A with Uruguay in South America, Egypt in Africa and Saudi Arabia in Asia. Before the World Cup in Brazil four years ago, the Russian team once ranked eighth in the world. Only in recent years, the strength has seriously declined, and the ranking has been declining all the way.
In order to rally in this World Cup, the Russian team naturalized several German and Brazilian players. At present, the pressure of international public opinion is bound to stimulate the blood and fighting spirit of the "fighting nation". Perhaps, the host will put himself in the position of "dark horse", which will also be a highlight of this "unique and unforgettable sports event".