SOCHI: Russia is “absolutely ready” to host the 2018 World Cup in June and July, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday as the country made final preparations to stage the football tournament.

Addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin and high-ranking officials in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, one of 11 World Cup cities, Infantino said preparations for the month-long tournament were nearly complete.

“Russia is absolutely ready to host the world, to celebrate a summer of festivities here in this beautiful country,” Infantino said.

Infantino added that Russia was “99-percent [ready] because there is still some work to be done”.

The first World Cup staged in eastern Europe will be the most expensive ever and comes in the heat of flaring tensions between Russia and the West.

It has also been shadowed by stadium construction delays and fears ranging from hooliganism to racist chants at matches. But Infantino lavished praise on Russia’s preparations.

“You are working to make this World Cup the best World Cup ever,” Infantino told Putin during the nationally televised meeting.

“The feedback from all our experts at FIFA are extremely positive. We know how important of course the last weeks are to finalise the little elements which are still missing.”

Russia will host the World Cup from June 14 to July 15 in 12 stadiums spread across cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi, having worked for years to build new stadiums and transportation infrastructure for the tournament.

“We understand our responsibility, we understand that much still needs to be done... all the events are still ahead,” Putin told Infantino in a separate meeting on Thursday, adding Russia will do “all in its power” to ensure that the tournament meets the highest standards.

Putin and Infantino began the day by posing for the cameras and getting Fan ID cards issued by the Russian authorities to supporters who pass a required security background check.

The two then toured Sochi’s Fisht Stadium — scene of the 2014 Winter Olympics — and listened to leaders of regions where the games will be played.

“I am now involved in the organisation of major world events for 20 years and the level of commitment, of dedication, of professionalism that you have in the organisation of this World Cup is unique,” Infantino told Putin.

The Russian leader also praised organisers and listed ways in which the tournament would benefit host cities in the long term.

Russia has faced increasing scrutiny ahead of the tournament, having pledged to complete all venues on time and ensure the safety of teams and fans.

The country has lauded the benefits of the tournament on its economy, which returned to growth last year after a two-year downturn brought on by Western sanctions and a collapse in global oil prices.

Last month Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said there would not have been any recent economic growth in Russia without investment generated by preparations for the tournament.

But Russian football has also made headlines for a string of racist incidents, including at Russia’s friendly against France in March while the country has pledged to combat discriminatory behaviour at sporting events.

Russia also has some concerns on the pitch. Its national team was the lowest-ranked team to enter the World Cup at the time of the draw in December.

In their three appearances since the collapse of the Soviet Union, in 1994, 2002 and 2014, Russia have failed to reach the knockout stages.

Russia haven’t gotten past the group stage at any tournament since they reached the semi-finals of the 2008 European Championship and come into the tournament with no wins from their last five friendlies.

On Thursday Putin weighed in on the state of the national team, calling on players to give it their all.

“We are all hoping that our players will be fully in the game, will give themselves entirely,” he said. “And most importantly, that they play the strong-willed, uncompromising soccer that the fans value and love.”

Putin is using the prestige of the event to showcase Russia’s superpower status and wants the national team to play its part on the pitch.

But coach Stanislav Cherch­esov’s men have been hit by a string of injuries and are seen as one of the tournaments underdogs.

Russia open the World Cup against Saudi Arabia in Group ‘A’ on June 14 before playing Egypt on June 19 and Uruguay six days later.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2018