From Russia With Love

Recapping the action and drama from World Football’s grand extravaganza that ultimately ended with French Kiss.

- Nick Po

It started with a bang, as these things usually do. There are few sporting stages as grand as the World Cup and the glitzy opening ceremony to open proceedings did not disappoint. Dancers and performers, orchestra and pyrotechnics, were a prelude to the fireworks that would unfold throughout the tournament. Once every four years the world slows down, becoming transfixed at the spectacle of football. Thousands from across the globe converged on Russia, with billions more tuning in, each in their own way sharing in the majesty and drama that was the 21st World Cup.

Today, the World Cup is more than just a sporting event, instead sitting at the intersection of sports, entertainment, business and politics. Russia’s push to be awarded the tournament might have been controversial, but few can deny that the Russian summer provided the perfect backdrop for the mouth-watering football that was on display. The Russian people welcomed the rest of the world with open arms. From the magnificent stadiums, to murals that adorned the walls of host cities paying tribute to icons of the game, Russia ended up being the perfect host for one of the most exciting World Cups in recent memory.

Pretournament favourites and Cinderella stories are very much a part of the World Cup fabric, with upsets and conquering triumphs becoming part of the lore that encompasses football history. Swapping club jerseys for national team kits, the stars of game and unsung heroes alike took turns to write the headlines and narratives that would come to define this year’s tournament. But as always, too much to cover and not quite enough time.

GROUP STAGE FRENZY