World cup 2018 the positives and negatives

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a highly successful tournament that had its share of positives and negatives. Here are some of the key points:

Positives:

  1. Exciting football: The tournament saw some thrilling matches, with teams like France, Belgium, and Croatia producing impressive displays of attacking football.
  2. Host country success: Russia, the host country, exceeded expectations by reaching the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by Croatia.
  3. Increased global interest: The World Cup generated massive global interest, with a record-breaking 3.572 billion people watching the tournament on TV.
  4. Improved infrastructure: Russia invested heavily in infrastructure, with many new stadiums and facilities built or renovated for the tournament.
  5. Cultural exchange: The World Cup provided a platform for cultural exchange between teams, fans, and host cities, promoting understanding and friendship.
  6. Economic benefits: The tournament generated significant economic benefits for Russia, with estimates suggesting it brought in around $15 billion in revenue.
  7. Innovative technology: The World Cup saw the introduction of several innovative technologies, including video assistant referees (VARs) and goal-line technology.

Negatives:

  1. Cost overruns: The tournament overspent its budget, with estimates suggesting it cost around $14 billion, significantly more than the initial estimate of $11.6 billion.
  2. Human rights concerns: There were concerns about human rights abuses in Russia, particularly in the lead-up to the tournament, with reports of police brutality and mistreatment of migrant workers.
  3. Fan violence: There were several incidents of fan violence and hooliganism during the tournament, including a brawl between Russian and English fans.
  4. Security concerns: There were concerns about security, particularly in the wake of the Salisbury poisoning incident, which led to the expulsion of several Russian diplomats from the UK.
  5. Environmental impact: The tournament had a significant environmental impact, with concerns about waste management, carbon emissions, and the destruction of natural habitats.
  6. Corruption allegations: There were allegations of corruption and bribery surrounding the bidding process for the tournament, which led to the suspension of several FIFA officials.
  7. Player injuries: The tournament saw several high-profile player injuries, including those to key players like Neymar, Harry Kane, and Paul Pogba.

Overall, the 2018 World Cup was a successful tournament that showcased the best of football, but it was not without its challenges and controversies.