Russia selected to host 2018 World Cup
ZURICH, December 2 (RIA Novosti)
Russia has been selected to host the 2018 World Cup by the decision of the FIFA Executive Committee in Switzerland's Zurich on Thursday.
Russia won the right to host the Cup in a tight race with bids from England, Portugal and Spain (jointly), and Belgium and the Netherlands (jointly).
Russia's main selling points have been an appeal to FIFA's sense of legacy and mission to take open new borders. Russia has never hosted a major football tournament. The team behind the Russian application has also stressed the massive state support for the bid.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's decision not to travel to Zurich for the bid led to rumors that he was not sure Russia would win and did not wish to be associated with defeat. Russian officials have said however that there is no need for him to travel, as Russia was certain to win.
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