Nearly two years have passed since the 2018 World Cup, and establishing the overall outcome is a difficult task. Firstly, the tournament has reason to be remembered fondly by fans: exciting, attractive football, a strong home team, and a few surprises (Germany’s early exit, Croatia’s run to the final and Russia’s elimination of Spain certainly stick in the memory). That coupled with the introduction of VAR ensured the tournament proved entertaining. From the Kremlin’s perspective this helped demonstrate that the country has the operational capacity to host such an organisationally intensive affair, thus (partially) justifying their selection as host – a decision that was questioned in footballing and political spheres worldwide.
Such questioning was justified; corruption aside, Russia’s place on the world stage occurred at an interesting time. From their (alleged) involvement in the shooting down of MH17, to election meddling, to their role in the Syrian civil war, to their illegal invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014 and their 2008 war with Georgia, this is a country that was, if nothing else, internationally disruptive. Indeed, this was the first ever World Cup to be hosted by a country under international economic sanctions; to some observers it was Moscow’s attempt – in conjunction with the 2014 Winter Olympics – to demonstrate it cannot be isolated by the EU and the West.
Russia’s World Cup was inescapably political, both overtly and discreetly. The first match saw Putin and Mohammed Bin Salman shaking hands, with 20 heads of state in attendance – the most ever at a World Cup game. The opening and closing speeches mirrored this, with their talk of international community and Russian friendliness, challenging assumptions on the global stage. As with many large sporting events, this was an occasion backed by millions of rubles, one that made sure the 2014 Olympics was followed up with emphatic proof that the operational success of the first event wasn’t a one-off.
In this way, the tournament was seen by the Kremlin in the same way the 2014 Winter Olympics were, as a way of improving Russia’s image worldwide, and in particular in the West. What better places to change opinions than two of the largest spectator events on the planet?
