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Moscow: The slow march until the end is on its last steps. As we walked through the streets of Moscow in recent days, the sparks of a party that lasted a month could be seen. There are not many visitors left, and those who are still there are stunned by what they've seen. But there is yet another party to celebrate before the curtain falls.
In every respect, it was the kind of festivities that Russia had hoped to see happen. The sweetest of rides, a party that has smoothed many rough edges. Fears that existed before the World Cup have been overestimated, even if they are no less important now. The commentary in the Western media tends to exaggerate fears in the context of Russia. If there is one lesson at this World Cup, it is that we should take these arguments with a pinch of salt.
Croatia's supporters celebrate at the Luzhniki stadium after their team's victory over England in the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. AFP
The problem is not that nothing happened at the World Cup; nothing is ever wrong, after all. But the perception of a closed Russian society that holds a particular mistrust towards the foreigner has been shown for its unfounded base. The locals welcomed the visitors warmly; the decision to use fan ID cards instead of a tourist visa and free public transport for all made the World Cup experience even more convenient.
According to official figures, nearly three million tickets have been distributed. visited the fan fests – a figure that transcended the brand established in Brazil four years ago. The organization of a World Cup, of course, is not just about the tournament and "legacy" has consistently figured in the conversations of last month. It remains to be seen whether the $ 11 billion spent by Russia will keep its promises, as stadiums without clubs and cities without serious influx of tourists face an uncertain future.
However, the apprehensions are for the moment mishandled. The festivities of the last day will be at the center of the debate, with a short closing ceremony preceding the match between France and Croatia. Philipp Lahm, German skipper and winner of the World Cup, will be present in the field with the Russian model Natalia Vodianova
. The Luzhniki stadium should be full Sunday. Since the quarterfinals, the drop in intensity is noticeable. This can be attributed to South American countries that did not have a memorable World Cup, even if their fans were in record numbers. Supporters of European nations tend to dominate this figure but the World Cup in Russia has brought a new change.
The arrival of more people from the South animated the color and sounds of the tournament. Even when their favorite teams struggled, the cheerful behavior and musical disposition of the Latin American fans were an integral part of the World Cup festivities. It was a shame that they could not stay longer.
Once the semifinals arrived, their absence was painfully felt. Although the English fans kept entertaining everyone by singing their biggest hits, those of France, Belgium and Croatia were relatively discreet. Even though a World Cup final was looming on the horizon, we had only quiet anticipation.
But the last weekend of this festival has brought more opportunities to interact with locals. Unfortunately, the chatter was accompanied by a feeling of imminent goodbye. After the World Cup for more than a month, the people involved must deploy the greatest physical and mental effort and the fatigue is palpable. Of course, everyone can wake up on Sunday, but the end is in sight.
Before the inevitable conclusion arrives, however, it's time to recall the memories that stand out in this memorable tournament. Luzhniki stadium, venue of the final, serves as an appropriate site for reliving them.
Russia suggested 31 days ago that there was not only fragility in the match against Saudi Arabia 5-0 the opening of the Cup World. Three days later, Germany's demoralization campaign got off to a flying start as Mexico captivated a close win. About fifteen days later, the Luzhniki were the scene of the greatest triumph of Russia by imposing itself in front of Spain. And just three nights ago, Croatia made another incredible comeback here to reach its first World Cup final.
On Sunday, the Croatians return to the stadium that has already experienced seismic developments in this tournament. France will also look for more joy than it did when the goalless draw against Denmark was played at Luzhniki twenty days ago. The two teams in the final already know the site, otherwise the final of the World Cup. Soon they will know what it means before Russia offers them their last goodbye.
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