FIFA’s Infantino gushes over Russian hosts

The “best” World Cup was about more than showcasing soccer.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino claims it served to change the perception surrounding a country outsiders were and still might be skeptical of.

“I think that everyone … has discovered actually a beautiful country, a welcoming country, a country full of beautiful people keen to show the world that what maybe sometimes is said doesn’t happen here,” Infantino said. “It’s a country that’s extremely rich in culture; extremely rich in history of humanity, of all of us. We can see it and discover it in all the cities. I think this has been a great adventure.

“I’m sure the hundreds of thousands of people who came have enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and the warm atmosphere by all the people.

“I think that a lot of pre-conceived opinions have changed ... thanks to this World Cup. Everyone has seen the true nature of all the people.”

The Russian people are conscious of how they’re commonly viewed. Many of them take it upon themselves to help stranded tourists in an effort to soften how they’re perceived.

I had a conversation with a man the night before Sunday’s final that confirmed younger Russians realize stereotypes limit the amount of visitors who make this vast country a destination. “This country, Russia, has changed,” Infantino said as he thanked President Vladimir Putin. “Russia has become a real football country, a country where football is not only the World Cup, but has become part of the country’s DNA.

“The legacy of this World Cup will put Russia on the top of countries in terms of football around the world. There are concrete plans by the Russians to make sure the stadiums continue to live.”

More than $11 billion was budgeted to stage a World Cup that was attended by roughly three million fans, guests and media. The 1994 World Cup still holds the record as the most-attended tournament.

More than 3.5 million fans attended the tournament when it was held in the United States.

THE BIG QUESTION

Some argue this World Cup has served to mask human-rights violations that have largely been ignored during this tournament. After endlessly praising Russia ahead of Sunday’s final, Infantino was asked to respond to critics of this World Cup and the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

“I think there are many injustices in the world,” he said. “There are many things in the world that are not working as citizens of the world would like. “There are many things we’d like to change in the world. There are many things that we are not happy about that happen in the world. It’s not in one country. It’s not in one region. It’s not in one area, but in the entire world.” Discrimination is rampant in Russia, where LGBT rights are non-existent. FIFA has been accused of turning a blind eye. “We try to work to do and speak and make things change for the good wherever we can,” Infantino said. “But here we are at the World Cup. We are focusing on football. We are focusing on celebrating football. “And, actually, I think one of the things we are missing in the world more and more is our capacity to speak to each other and have a dialogue.

“If there’s no dialogue or discussion … then we cannot go anywhere. If football and the World Cup can contribute to open some channels and discussions and help those who have to take the important decisions to at least start to speak to each other and realize there are people living everywhere in the world — some in better, some in worse conditions — then we have done something and we have given a contribution.”

Soccer’s governing body faces similar complaints over awarding the 2022 tournament to Qatar. “Football cannot solve all the problems in the world,” Infantino said. “Football cannot change the past. But football can have an impact in the future. And maybe some people who are taking important decisions for our planet can take a look at what we are trying to do in football and take some inspiration to try and address these issues.

“We have to look forward, learning from what has happened without denying what has happened with the respect to those who have been touched personally and directly from what has happened everywhere in the world.”

Infantino was careful to avoid saying or defining what “has happened.”

“If football can contribute a little bit … then I think it’s already a positive outcome,” he said.

THIS AND THAT

Sunday’s final was the 900th match in World Cup history … France and Croatia first met in the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup with host France winning 2-1 … This was the ninth all-European World Cup final … Croatia is just the second side to make a World Cup final after qualifying through a UEFA playoff (Germany, 2002) … Croatia and England are the only sides to play three extra-time matches at a World Cup.

FIFA AWARD WINNERS

Golden Ball: Luka Modric ■ Silver Ball: Eden Hazard ■ Bronze Ball: Antoine Griezmann

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Golden Boot: Harry Kane (6)

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Silver Boot: Antoine Griezmann

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Bronze Boot: Romelu Lukaku (4)

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Golden Gloves: Thibaut Courtois

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FIFA Young Player: Kylian

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Mbappe