MOSCOW - The World Cup kicks off in Russia in a month's time with the hosts at loggerheads with the West and intent on using the football showpiece to trumpet their superpower status. Russia has spent in excess of $13 billion (11 billion euros) -- a World Cup record -- on giving many of the 11 host cities their first post-Soviet facelifts. Seeing the World Cup transform other cities into what Sochi itself has become will be a monumental achievement that could unlock Russia's economic potential. "You are working to make this World Cup the best World Cup ever," Infantino said. Yet Putin spelled out clearly that he expected something special from the Russians at their first home World Cup.

Source: Bangkok Post May 12, 2018 22:18 UTC