How every team contributed to making this World Cup the Greatest Ever

Russia, the Hosts

Russia v Egypt: Group A - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Russia as hosts played a huge part in making this World Cup the best ever – both on and off the field. They started the campaign with five goals against Saudi Arabia, qualified for the knockouts despite being the lowest ranked team and took out a huge scalp in Spain in the round of 16. They played an exciting quarterfinal against Croatia and were only edged out in the penalties by the more deserved team. Russian fans couldn’t have asked for more from their team.

Russia, the host nation was warm beyond expectation. Fans from the world over were treated with immense respect and help was always at hand. Transport was seamless and the fan parks buzzed at all times. The game experience was outstanding to say the least. Had it not been for the lack of umbrellas during the presentation ceremony in the finals, Russia had delivered the most perfect World Cup experience ever.

It was only appropriate that the loud chants of “Ruhssia, Ruhssia” were the lasting sounds of the Fifa World Cup 2018.

India, the Guests:

India as guests played its part too in the campaign. With over 17,000 Indians traveling for the World Cup, this was our highest attended World Cup. Indian football is on its journey upwards but we still have some distance to go. But what we lack in terms of on-field skill, we make up in terms of arm-chair expertise. Indian restaurants around Russia were buzzing with elaborate conversations about statistics, records and player skills – cricket pundits would be put to shame.

Sunil Chhetri was a delight to watch on TV and his candid plea for support to the national team is the least a billion Indians can do to harbour hopes of watching their team play on the greatest stage in the football world.

Its been over two weeks since France lifted the Jules Rimet trophy, the dust just about settling as the World’s favourite game gets ready for league football across the world, the staple diet of the game. Russia 2018 with the help of all participating nations, the hosts and the guests delivered the best World Cup experience that ensured that International Football is in great health. Come Qatar 2022, billions will be back to feast upon a month of high skill, physical prowess, drama and cultural bonhomie all delivered through a ninety-minute game of Football.

France v Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final