World Cup Diary – Day 1 and 2: Putin’s fun day out

World Cup Diary – Day 1 and 2: Putin’s fun day out

Manuel Veth from Moscow –

Here we go the biggest show on earth is finally underway. The 2o18 FIFA World Cup was finally opened, and with the first few games in the book, it is time to reflect on some of the first couple days in my World Cup diary. Now I will try to add an article every day. But at times travel could make this problematic. As a result, don’t be surprised if I throw a couple of days together at times.

World Cup Diary Day 1 and 2:

Russia is open to the world

That is right Moscow is full. There is not a single place in this city in which you cannot find fans hanging out with some scarf, football shirt or flag. The Russians have so far also seemed to enjoy the party. Entering a restaurant or a bar we are right away asked where we from, who we support and who we will think will win the World Cup – I have to admit despite my angst that Die Mannschaft could screw it up I have answered Germany every single time.

Russia can play, or can they

Now while Russians have been fantastic hosts, they have been very pessimistic about the Sbornaya’s chances to do well at this tournament. Hence, the game against Saudi Arabia was looked at with a mix of fear and reluctance. “We can be happy if we win 1-0”, one Russia fan told me. “It will be 1-1, and we will go out of the World Cup right away”, another one added.

Those fears were quickly quelled when Russia put five, yes five, goals past Saudi Arabia keeper Al-Maiouf. This is the very same keeper that stood in his head against Germany in a friendly just a week ago by the way. Russia, in fact, looked incredible at times. At the same time celebrations remained somewhat muted. After all, this was only Saudi Arabia, and Egypt and Uruguay will provide a much more difficult test. Hence, while Germany or Italy the result would have been the cause of car caravans honking through downtown Muscovites remained relative calm…

Putin enjoying himself

Smiling, almost apologetic, the camera zoomed in on President Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman. As one goal after another went in, Putin shook Salman’s hand laughed and seemingly had a good time. In some ways, this was expected. Putin will be in the spotlight when the Sbornaya do well and will be less visible should Russia face a sterner test and possible defeat.

As for the reactions by Russians to the pictures? One observer smiled and laughed I bet you they made some deal. “One billion euros for every goal.” Another fan suggested, “we gave them an oilfield for every goal.”

Either way, Putin had his place in the sun and the Sbornaya a good reason to celebrate. The five goals, after all, could go a long way when it comes to Russia trying to find a way out of this group.

Moving hotels

On a personal note. I moved hotels today. Away from Taganskaya to Izmaylovo where I am staying at the gigantic Beta hotel, which is part of a four-building hotel with over 3000 rooms. Built for the Moscow Olympics in 1980 I have some personal memories associated with this place.

Back in 2003 when I travelled to Russia for the first time, I stayed in the hotel. Back then water would regularly be turned off, which was something I did not know at the time. Fully shampooed I was enjoying a shower when the pipe started rumbling, and the water turned off. I am happy to report that the hotel has been renovated in the last 15 years and that the water pipes are working well.

Manuel Veth is the owner and Editor in Chief of the Futbolgrad Network. He also works as a freelance journalist and among others works for the Bundesliga and Pro Soccer USA. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in History from King’s College London, and his thesis is titled: “Selling the People’s Game: Football’s transition from Communism to Capitalism in the Soviet Union and its Successor States,” which is available HERE. Originally from Munich, Manuel has lived in Amsterdam, Kyiv, Moscow, Tbilisi, London, and currently is located in Victoria BC, Canada.  Follow Manuel on Twitter @ManuelVeth.

COMMENTS

WORDPRESS: 10
  • comment-avatar
    Dirk Smith 6 years

    Can’t wait to see pictures of Vova when he’s imprisoned at the Hague.

  • comment-avatar
    Frank Anthong 6 years

    Hmmmm I think Dirk is an anti-Russian propaganda troll…

    • comment-avatar
      Dirk Smith 6 years

      Sure, if that works for you. So you actually support Putin?

      • comment-avatar
        Marc 6 years

        Not at all, but it seems you are just trolling. Seems weird.

    • comment-avatar
      Marc 6 years

      Frank Marc Anthony (autocorrect can be a pain). Not defending Putin at all. Just don’t think you going at it the right way mister Smith.

  • comment-avatar
    Dirk Smith 6 years

    Call it what you want, but the Russian people deserve better. He’s been robbing them blind since 1999 and now they many of them come home in pine boxes because of his imaginary enemies he concocts to remain in power. Calling out a murderous sociopath is weird? I’ll take it as a compliment. 😉

  • comment-avatar
    Marc 6 years

    Ah ok so you are hanging out on other sites too to complain about, let’s say the Guardian, to complain about the Premier League because it is owned by oligarchs with questionable backgrounds in a country that doesn’t exactly have the best human rights record and is on a self-destructive course with Brexit that is threatening European democracy? No? See weird! You basically trolling.

  • comment-avatar
    Dirk Smith 6 years

    Absolutely. I’m on as many social media accounts as I can find. I enjoy the sweet sport and am angry at the corrupt few who ruin the sweet sport. You call it trolling; I call it telling the truth. Carry On.

    • comment-avatar
      Marc 6 years

      So you basically sit in front of your laptop, likely just dressed in your underway, and hang out in forums on random pages. Seems so futile and pathetic. Get a life, a girlfriend perhaps or if you really want to make the world a better place go out there and do something about it.

  • comment-avatar
    Dirk Smith 6 years

    LOL. Your defense of Putin’s regime is laughable. Is your name Marc or Frank Anthong? Who is the troll here? But I digress, how about Mexico’s upset of Die Mannschaft?

  • DISQUS: 0