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Russia’s improbable World Cup run will have an enduring legacy

By Clemente Lisi

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 01: Russia pose for a team photograph during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Spain and Russia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 01: Russia pose for a team photograph during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Spain and Russia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Russia’s magical World Cup run comes to an end. Despite the defeat to Croatia, this team will leave a legacy that will be felt for years.

Russia weren’t supposed to be one of the big on-pitch stories at this World Cup. On paper, they had no chance at this competition. It was all about avoiding being embarrassed and hoping to make a respectable go of it in the group stage.

Instead, they galvanized a nation, capturing the hearts of millions with their passionate play and strong team ethic. As the tournament moves on to the semifinals, one can’t ignore the contribution of this underdog Russian side, led by captain and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, and how they beat the odds throughout this tournament.

Those odds caught up with them in quarterfinals, after a 2-2 draw in Sochi against Croatia ended in heartbreak for the Russians. Until this point, Russia’s World Cup run had resembled that of South Korea in 2002. The South Koreans, heavy underdogs propelled by the loud and enthusiastic home support, reached the semifinals and ultimately finished fourth. It remains the team’s best finish at a World Cup. 

The old Soviet Union had a successful soccer program. The team captured the very first European Championship in 1960 with the legendary Lev Yashin in goal. For those too young to remember his cat-like reflexes, Yashin is immortalized all across the streets of Moscow on officials Russia 2018 posters. Russia were a perennial World Cup participant for much of the 1960s.

The USSR had a revival in the 1980s, reaching the final of the 1988 European Championship against the Netherlands. The Dutch, powered by Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, were too strong for that USSR side. Regulars at the World Cup before the collapse of communism in 1991, the Russians stumbled for much of the past 20 years. This sleeping giant, for the first time in the post-Soviet era, came alive at this World Cup.

Having the ability to host a World Cup is always positive for one’s national team. It raises expectations and brings out the best from the players. This Russia team, the lowest ranked team at this tournament, proved anything is possible. No one can take away what they have done at this tournament.

Asked about the quarterfinal match against Croatia and whether it was the biggest of his life, Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov said: “I hope that the most important games are still ahead of us.”  

Cherchesov was, of course, alluding to the upcoming semifinals. But his message could be one for future tournaments. This may not be the last time we see this group of players. 

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For Russia, the legacy left behind by this national team is similar to what the U.S. team did at USA ’94. They’ve been re-energized, the fans are enthusiastic and a future generation of players inspired. 

Pele famously recalled the Brazil loss to Uruguay in the decisive match of the 1950 World Cup, telling his sad father not to cry because he’d win a World Cup for him someday. The Brazilian legend went on to win three titles.

Somewhere in Russia, either sitting at home in front of the TV or in the large crowd at Moscow’s Fan Fest, there’s a little boy consoling his dad right now. Maybe Russia won’t ever win a World Cup to avenge this defeat. Sound crazy? No one ever expected Russia to get this far at what has been an unforgettable World Cup. 

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