The reputation of Russia could hardly have been worse in recent years. From invading Crimea to starting a war in Ukraine (including arming rebels with munitions they used to shoot down a civilian airplane) to poisoning people in Britain to the PR disaster that was the Sochi Winter Olympics. The idea of having the Fifa World Cup there, a festival of not only football but of life, a party for the world in which all are welcomed was anathema to all right minded people.

Well, it turns out that Russia have hosted what is being talked about as possibly the best World Cup ever. The football has been fabulous, the atmosphere electric, passionate and friendly. Opposing fans not only sitting next to each other drinking beers but congratulating and consoling each other after the match. It has in short been absolutely everything the World Cup should be. So, Russia, well done you and regardless of any results to come you've put on a show that Qatar is going to struggle to match.