Lev Yashin

Since the first international match played in 1912 at the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Russia has written many chapters of football history, full of glorious moments and legendary figures.

The names of Lev Yashin, Eduard Streltsov, Viktor Ponedelnik and Rinat Dasaev are among those feted not only in their home country, but also on the international stage. The global journey began in 1945 with the famous FC Dynamo Moscow trip to the United Kingdom. Complete unknowns, the Soviet players delivered a surprising performance with two wins and two draws in the games against Chelsea FC, Cardiff City FC, Arsenal FC and Rangers FC.

Many generations have grown up visiting the stadiums and watching the matches of Russia’s historically famous clubs – FC Spartak Moscow, FC Dynamo Moscow, PFC CSKA Moscow. At regional level, many of the clubs are very popular and have strong academies, where many talented young footballers are groomed for the national team and leading football clubs.

The entire country could not hold back their tears when in 1966 the Soviet national team was stopped one step from the final of FIFA World Cup in England. 1988 is remembered as the most successful year in the history of Soviet and Russian football – the national team won the Olympic football tournament in Seoul and were runners-up at the Euro 1988, having lost in the final to the brilliant Dutch.

Rinat Dasaev

During the transition period from Soviet Union to Russia, the CIS national football team failed to achieve success in the 1992 European Championship. The squad finished last in their group, but managed two notable draws against Germany and the Netherlands before being beaten 3-0 by Scotland in what turned out to be their final match.

In 1992, today's Russian Football Union – successor of All-Russian Football Union and Soviet Football Union – was officially formed, and the Russian national football team became the successor of the national team of the USSR. Since that time football in Russia has gone through some ups and downs, but has always remained one of the most popular sports in the country.

In the 2000s the big results were achieved at club level. PFC CSKA Moscow won the UEFA Cup final against FC Sporting Lisbon in 2005, and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg claimed the 2008 UEFA Cup, defeating Glasgow Rangers in the final. The same year FC Zenit overcame Manchester United FC to win the UEFA Super Cup.

2008 is also fondly remembered by many Russians for the team's performance at the EURO and especially for their wonderful match against the Netherlands. The dedication and talent of the Russian players led to a glorious 3-1 win after extra time and a place in the semifinals, the best result so far in the history of modern Russia.

All these victorious moments have increased the interest in the sport across the country, bringing more children to the game. The successful bid of Russia to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup is yet another of these moments. Out of the twelve stadia hosting the matches, seven are being built especially for the event, and two stadiums are being completely renovated.

The passion for football, alongside our traditional hospitality, will make the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia an outstanding event with a long-lasting legacy.

Source: FIFA