Many people took exception to Fifa’s decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Vladimir Putin’s Russia, but the huge country has responded by staging a well-organised, trouble-free festival of thrilling football. And with Qatar and 48 teams looming on the horizon, it might be the last good one we get to see for a long time, writes Jonathan O’Brien
Flags with the logo and the World Cup 2018 mascot Zabivaka are seen in front of Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow on June 30, 2018 during the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by Vasily MAXIMOV / AFP) (Photo credit should read VASILY MAXIMOV/AFP/Getty Images)
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Eoin O'Hara
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TOPSHOT - England's players celebrate winning the penalty shootout at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Colombia and England at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on July 3, 2018. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 03: Colombia fans celebrate on the Red Square on July 3, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
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Eoin O'Hara
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 17: Supporters during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Germany and Mexico at Luzhniki Stadium on June 17, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Claudio Villa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Eoin O'Hara
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 14: Fan of Russia celebrates after wining the game during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at FIFA Fans Fest Moscow on June 14, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
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Eoin O'Hara
