What the 2018 World Cup in Russia has achieved

Published on: 10 December 2018
What the 2018 World Cup in Russia has achieved
Russia president Vladimir Putin with the World Cup trophy

The Football World Cup is the big event of all. Not only because it takes place every four years or represents probably the most popular sport, but also because the world's view of the host country is right.

The country hosting the World Cup must not only have its long and arduous career examined by FIFA, but must also be subject to comprehensive criticism.

Germany, too, was initially viewed critically by other countries in 2006, but after the end of the year the opinion about the host country changed.

So was Africa in 2010 and Brazil four years later. The positive side effect of the great popularity of the sporting event is that grievances, but also positive aspects in a country are treated and discussed.

In this sense, Russia is no exception. It has tried to achieve a good world championship and the world has seen an impeccable implementation. More information on the world on Betting.org.

The world looks to the east

Whenever major sporting events come closer, reports on the country, its problems and critical aspects, but also on culture and positive aspects, increase sharply.

South Korea, for example, hosted the Winter Olympics in the same year as the World Cup in Russia.

There was a lot of news about the country, its society, past as well as current events and developments with its neighbour North Korea.

When it sent a group of athletes to take part in the games, the world followed the event. Russia had to face similar challenges and criticisms. Various aspects of the country were discussed.

The political situation

The foreign policy activities of the country were probably the biggest point of criticism of the country. The World Cup, which was also called "Putin's Games" by some voices, clearly put the country in a better light.

Not only because the country made a great effort to be a good host, but also because the world was more concerned with the country.

However, foreign policy activities have led many to be critical of the host. Furthermore, the security of the country and its visitors, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, political freedom of the Russians themselves but also the infrastructure were criticised.

Ultimately, however, none of the fears or anxieties proved to be a real threat. The security forces took good care of the spectators and riots by the dreaded hooligans were also prevented.

This not only ensured a smooth process without incidents, but also a positive perception of Russia's security and political stability abroad.

The social situation

Of course, the social and domestic political situation of the country was also scrutinized and critically examined. During the World Cup, many visitors were amazed by the openness and hospitality of the Russians.

The exuberant hosts let all prejudices fade and celebrated together with the world. So, for example, Nikolskaya Street in Moscow, which was actually highly secured, became a fan zone with exuberant celebrations on the first matchday.

Such more or less spontaneous events offered full tolerance and freedom. Among them also political topics, which pointed to the points of criticism in the own country. This was only reported at the margins and these reports were not broadcast in the sports show, which most people were following at that time.

But despite the comparatively minimal media coverage, the focus on social, domestic and societal issues was a success.

Finally, it must be mentioned that Russia, the largest country in the world, did not, of course, benefit from the World Cup everywhere.

Regarding the infrastructure or social hotspots in the country, it is not possible that all cities and areas benefited from the success of the World Cup.

Moreover, the World Cup is over a month later and the euphoria that swept the whole country along cannot last forever. Thanks to the World Cup, the country's image has been able to score many points.

 

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