You're reading: Independent: Russia spent billions to host the World Cup, so why is it still so bad at football?

Russia has spent eight years and the best part of 700 billion rubles getting everything ready for this World Cup, bending everything their way, building a tournament to show the world what modern Russia can achieve, standing proudly by itself.

But when Stanislav Cherchesov’s team kick off against Saudi Arabia on June 14, they will likely do the opposite. Even at their own party here this summer, expect Russia to impress no-one, entertain no-one and quite possibly beat no-one. After Saudi Arabia it is only going to get harder, as they take on Egypt and then Uruguay. Do not rule out a group stage exit.

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