Dear Diary

A day in the life of soccer columnist Kurtis Larson on the ground in Russia

MOSCOW — These World Cups bring out the best and worst in people.

Like last week when an elderly Russian approached me and asked if I needed directions.

I was lost, looking for the Metro, when the man wanted to practise his English.

But World Cups also bring the worst in fans.

One of my guilty pleasures while covering this tournament is opening my inbox each morning to find hate mail from a half-dozen burner email accounts.

It gets especially bad when you criticize Cristiano Ronaldo.

Case in point, this email from “Antonia” (if that’s his real name).

“You and others like you are jealous of Ronaldo’s looks, money and grand ability to play soccer. Looking at your picture, I can understand,” it read.

I nearly spit out my morning coffee.

Here I am, thinking I’m a solid seven out of 10 in the looks category, getting savaged by someone who didn’t like my copy.

Not that it bothers me.

People just lose their minds during this tournament. It’s nothing I haven’t been through before.

Plus, there are an equal number of readers who pass along well-wishes and compliments and genuinely express thanks for the coverage.

These tournaments stir emotions. I’m thankful to be at the centre of them.

The France-Denmark match was so poor this week there were journalists booing in the press box.

It’s not unusual for foreign media types to don jerseys and cheer whenever their country scores at this tournament.

It is, however, a bit odd to jeer over a lack of entertainment.

I shot the media member a smile. He smiled back.

Sometimes I wonder if these guys are actually just fans or “friends of media” using the media tribune as an excuse to obtain a free ticket to the tournament.

Russian people love their yogurts. So much so the variety is confusing to anyone who can’t read their language.

I’ve attempted to buy 0% Greek yogurt multiple times at this tournament.

But when I unseal the package I quickly find I’ve made the wrong decision.

Today’s choice closely resembled curdled milk.