My World Cup Experience in Russia

Exactly two months ago the FIFA World Cup began in Moscow. At the time I was only beginning to become mildly interested. If anything I was a little annoyed by the constant focus on the event. Football (American soccer) isn’t too big in the United States so I never had much of an interest in it and have absolutely no memories of hearing about previous World Cups.

Touring Spartak Stadium must have planted the seed for what became full blown excitement by the time the final match arrived on July 15th. To be honest I was quite surprised how into the World Cup I became, but with all the excitement around the city I am glad I started to take part in it. 

Street Party

One of my biggest complaints with Moscow is that it isn’t very diverse and there never seems to be things out of the ordinary happening. Simply walking the streets of NYC is an adventure, you never know what crazy thing you are going to see next. I didn’t feel that in Moscow. During World Cup season the feeling in the center changed completely. I loved the night that some friends and I found what felt like an International street party.

FIFA World Cup Museum

One day I stumbled upon the Fifa World Cup Museum. I learned a little more about the sport and the teams participating through football jerseys, the first balls used in every match this year and other artifacts from past World Cups. 

Matches on TV

The strangest thing of all is that I got together with other people at restaurants to watch some matches on TV. I hardly ever watch TV and to watch a sports game is almost unheard of for me.

Fifa Fan Fest

Probably the most exciting place was the Fifa Fan Fest. After going through security you are in a huge space that has food vendors, fan merchandise stalls and large screens to watch the matches.

I may not have known it until half-way through the World Cup, but I felt very lucky to be living in Moscow at the time of such a huge worldwide event. 

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