Now that the 2018 World Cup in Russia has wrapped up, it’s time to look back on the monumental occasion and discuss why this was one of the best footballing events in recent memory. It was packed full of shocks, excitement, and joyous celebration, and the host cities were buzzing with a carnival atmosphere.

The success of the cup has also reminded people what a wonderful country Russia is, and it should have a positive effect on tourism in the country in the immediate future.

Source: World Cup Football 2018 Russia via Facebook

When it was announced that the World Cup would be held in Russia, there was widespread dissatisfaction in the footballing world. Many people assumed that it would be dull, there would be no atmosphere, and there could even be problems with violence and hooliganism. It transpired that these doubters couldn’t have been more wrong, and the whole tournament was, in fact, the opposite of what they expected.

After two fairly mundane tournaments in South Africa and Brazil in 2010 and 2014 respectively, Russia was the antidote. It was the World Cup that everyone had been waiting for, and provided everything a football fan could wish for and more.

It’s fair to say that there was an epidemic of World Cup fever this summer, and billions of people tuned in to watch the dramatic events unfold. Between matches, there were special television programmes dedicated to the event, and games sites were also helping to add to the delirium. There were various kick-off promotions at sites like 888, where players could score up to $300 in free play. All the latest offers from sports betting and gambling sites are listed here.

Russia set the tone for how the tournament would pan out in their opening game against Saudi Arabia. The hosts put on a hugely impressive performance and prevailed 5-0 to get their charge underway. They continued to exceed expectations and made it all the way to the quarter-finals, where they were knocked out by finalists Croatia.

In other areas of the competition, things didn’t go according to the script. There was a shock early exit for reigning champions Germany who failed to make it past the group stage, while the likes of Spain, Brazil, and Argentina all underperformed.

The main highlight of the Russia World Cup for many was the fact that they were welcomed to the country with such hospitality, and found themselves in a place which was ready to party. Moscow and Saint Petersburg were the most visited locations, but other cities like Nizhny Novgorod and Kaliningrad also became unlikely rocking party towns.

Many misconceptions of Russia and the Russian people were shattered, and everyone who travelled to the country had an amazing experience.

Everyone who loves football, and all those who visited Russia this summer, will have fond memories of the 2018 hosts. Not only has the tournament in Russia set the benchmark for future competitions, it has also helped boost the image of the country. This will doubtlessly lead to increased tourism in the years to come.

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