Russia’s ’surprise’ bid could ruin England’s 2018 dream

MOSCOW - Russia could emerge as England’s main rival in the bid for the 2018 World Cup.

The country’s bid team says its vision is to surprise and astound the world of football.

According to Sky News, the Russians have said games will be played at 16 stadiums in 13 cities and it’s also heavy on that buzzword, “legacy”.

It may not have the facilities and glamour of England’s football world. But as far as the country’s young players are concerned, it’s their turn for some limelight.

The mere mention of the World Cup being in Russia gets 11-year-olds at a football academy in St Petersburg all excited during a training session.

A new stadium is being built in St Petersburg.

Arsenal star Andey Arshavin also features in Russia’s World Cup video

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has called Russia’s bid “remarkable”.

Alexi Sorokin, the man leading the bid, brushes off the naysayers who claim Russia is ill equipped.

“They didn’t say that about South Africa and Brazil. I’m sure they don’t need a country that is capable of organising it tomorrow,” Sorokin said.

Rumour has it billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Ambramovich may be unveiled as a secret weapon at a later stage in the 2018 bid.

If ambition is the key to success, Russia may well stand a very good chance. (ANI)