What about the incredible game of the Russian football team, which even the most dedicated fans were quick to write off before the start of the World Cup? This fantastic transformation did not leave indifferent even those who have long lost interest in football! People who have publicly distanced themselves from “our foot-legged football players” are now ill, shouting at the TV and at the stadiums, congratulating each other on the victories of our team.
And I personally have the feeling that if we win two or three matches, the Reds with Whites, the Liberals and the Communists, and the monarchists with the cryptocurrency partisans will start fraternizing - in general, all but frankly conscious Russophobes who Fortunately, still not as much as they themselves would like to, and who can normally feel only in the conditions of our disunity.
But if everything is more or less clear with us, then the reaction of the Western media to what is happening in Russia is of particular interest. Moreover, many publications before the start of the World Cup took part in the persecution of Russia and made every effort to prevent its holding.
In fact, I even feel a little sorry for foreign observers. The world was overwhelmed by a wave of objective, benevolent, and sometimes directly enthusiastic information from Moscow and other Russian cities, and it is almost impossible to resist this wave. Therefore, someone pretended that his eyes were finally wide open, and someone had moved to previously prepared defensive positions. But almost everyone decided to ride on this wave: the rating and sales dictate their own laws, and sometimes they are even stronger than traditional Russophobia.
Among the publications that have changed their views on holding the World Cup in Russia, even such media market whales as the respectable British Times have been seen.
The World Cup began in Russia in such an atmosphere of fun and benevolence that even the most ardent Kremlin propagandists could hardly believe in their luck. Thousands of brightly dressed and joyful fans, most of whom were Hispanic, set the tone.
They filled the center of Moscow and the streets around the Luzhniki stadium before the starting match of Russia against Saudi Arabia. This scene made it hard to take all the predictions about racism, hooligans and all the worst that can happen at the World Cup.
They filled the center of Moscow and the streets around the Luzhniki stadium before the starting match of Russia against Saudi Arabia. This scene made it hard to take all the predictions about racism, hooligans and all the worst that can happen at the World Cup.
Also, the venerable British publication noted the excellent organization of the tournament, the Moscow Metro, the general desire of the Russian authorities to show the country in the best possible way. And the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Brazil in the Times was called unremarkable against the backdrop of Moscow.
The German Deutsche Welle also couldn’t keep from comparing Moscow with other cities that took the world championships in the relatively recent past, in particular, with Berlin and Paris. And the comparison, oddly enough, was in favor of the Russian capital. This is doubly unexpected, since many German publications took an active part in inciting the doping scandal against OCD and all Russian sports, and their own media center, which should coordinate World Cup coverage in Russia, was placed, oddly enough, in Germany itself.
DW also notes the cleanliness of Russian cities, cheap taxis, bicycle lanes and wide sidewalks. Here's a quote if you do not believe:
Foreign guests of the World Cup will be amazed at the cleanliness. And also - very wide sidewalks, marked by bicycle lanes and relatively cheap taxis. All this should convince them how safe, progressive and open to the world is modern Russia. Too much purity did not disturb anyone yet. And each person will appreciate the level of security.
The Guardian considers Russia to be an excellent venue for the championship. Reading this edition, you can hardly believe that it is British. Here, for example:
It is very likely that many people will leave this country with warm memories and altered ideas about Russia. During the month, Russia shows its beautiful, radiant face. People are happy and the tournament, and the fans who came, the situation is incredibly positive. Inexpensive beer and warm sun in most cities only help the cause. Since many transport routes pass through Moscow, the Russian capital has become a kind of hub for fans. Tens of thousands of fans walk here in the evenings between games, creating a carnival atmosphere.
And "Der Spiegel" and at all asks Russia for forgiveness and says that they were wrong. True, this only concerns the forecast for the games of the Russian national team, but on the whole the tone of the publication is quite benevolent. The Germans say that in the 1 / 8 finals, the Russian team is waiting for a meeting with the Spaniards or the Portuguese, and doubts that the Russians will be able to overcome this barrier. But then he modestly adds: “Once we have already made a mistake in our predictions.”
“Marca” saw in the game of the Russian national team “authentic Russian ballet”. And this is probably the best praise - our ballet is still respected and considered the best in the world.
But not everything, of course, is so smooth and pleasant. “Those who have retreated to previously prepared positions” also do not sit back and do not forget to recall their existence.
So, some publications were quick to call the Russian cities hosting the World Cup "Potemkin villages." And the Italian Corriere della Sera wrote altogether that in the provinces they extensively reworked the facades of buildings in order to at least somehow cover up the degradation and poverty that are literally everywhere.
It is possible that crafty Italians are not so far from the truth: we cannot yet boast of an incredible level of income. But, to be honest, I want so much in response to the age of five to turn off Russian gas for them, and see what remains of their prosperity.
The Washington Post does not forget to mention the security issue. According to the publication, every stadium in Russia is a real fortified area, equipped with air defense systems and electromagnetic suppression systems. drones. The publication also publishes an editorial (and this is not exactly the same as the personal opinion of an individual journalist, this is the official position of the publication) with an eloquent headline: “Do not let the World Cup divert attention from the grandiose corruption in Russia!” According to the publication, most of the money allocated for the preparation of the World Cup went to "Putin's entourage."
Thank you, dear edition. We all remember, do not worry. But let us somehow do it yourself, okay? And then, as they say in the people, we also have “without snotty ice”.
In fact, I don’t really want to focus on the negative. Yes, someone conducts a “psychological investigation” on the topic “Why did the wolf become the talisman of the world championship?” And he comes to an unexpected (although actually expected) conclusion: Putin wants to show that the Russian pack needs an alpha male! I can imagine how Putin himself will become obdedet if he learns about such a treachery of his own! Someone says that the Russians are distracted from the torment of conscience because of the seizure of another's peninsula and downed "Boeing". Someone hints that the British were not just settled in the vicinity of St. Petersburg - there was a terrorist act in the subway, so now, the British, do not be surprised and do not cry, if that!
But let us leave the details of these “psychological investigations”, hints and direct libel to those who invent them and to the regular consumers of their products. We only note two things: the counteroffensive under the “informational Stalingrad” was launched successfully. Now it's up to the development of success: the game of our team, our hospitality, the work of security services, volunteers, city authorities in the venues of the championship.
And second, we have the happy opportunity to see Russia through the eyes of foreigners. The fact that they carry reliable information to their countries is in itself very cool. But perhaps with their help we ourselves will be able to look a little differently. And we will cease, as we have long been accustomed to, see only the bad, and finally notice the many positive changes taking place around us.