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When Russia got the World Cup four years ago I was frowning. I honestly thought: “What a waste of a World Cup…” I believe I even said so in conversation a few times…I couldn’t believe that out of all the solid candidatures that lobbied for the quadrennial event (including England, and a joint bid for Spain and Portugal) it ended up going to Russia.

Of course my mentality was clouded by my pre-conceived notions of Russia. “They’re racists who don’t like black people, how come such an important event is going to take place over there?” These thought came to my mind, and often so.

Based on things I had read or heard from third parties, my opinion of Russia was a poor one. Needless to say, a pre-conceived notion based upon unverified sources is human error 101. So I was just like: “whatever, its football, let’s give it (Russia) a shot.”

That was when I started getting a few hints that this world cup was going to surprise me. First there was President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, welcoming the world to his Russia and officially launching the festivities of the monthly event. He was speaking from an outdoor elevated platform, and behind him you could clearly see the beautiful, airy, royal Moscow on a resplendent evening.

Then the tournament started with Russia vs Saudi Arabia and out came these jokes born out of a moment captured on camera between President Putin and Mohammad Bin Salman. I unfortunately couldn’t find the meme I thought was the funniest of all of them.

After that game came a deluge of spectacular goals, late dramatic endings to games, a nutmeg that was so vicious it almost floored me. The huge added emotional kick of the new VAR (video assistant referee) technology. I quickly had to come to the realization that this world cup was nothing short of explosive.

Then there was the communion between the supporters and their teams: bone chilling, in the best of ways, displays of patriotism (the singing of South Korea’s national anthem before their game against Mexico immediately comes to mind).

I’ve been busy working and doing other things, but despite my constant movement, I’ve managed not to miss the big moments of the competition so far. As the tournament smoothly moves on to the direct elimination stages, the shock value is about to reach a whole new level.

Finally I have to be honest: a World Cup in Russia is actually more exotic than it would have been, had it been organized in western Europe. It’s a little bit more “out of your comfort zone,” which makes it more exciting, dazzling and alluring. Wouldn’t you agree? Are you not entertained? Enjoy the rest of the action.

1 Comment

  1. “Needless to say, a pre-conceived notion based upon unverified sources is human error 101.”
    I totally agree, Theo! Never let others do your thinking for you. Check. Double check. Triple check and make your own opinion based on what you have checked.

    Looking forward to hearing more interesting things about this world cup, Theo!

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