Starting XI: What Sochi 2014 Tells us about Russia 2018

We're rapidly approaching the kickoff to the World Cup in Brazil, which means it's just about time to look forward to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Some might say that's premature, but some don't have our obsessive interest in the World Cup. And as an added bonus, we have a little extra glimpse into the preparations for the World Cup, in the Winter Olympics broadcast from Sochi this past month.

So we're happy to reflect on the lessons that the World Cup can apply from their fellow sportsmen in Sochi.

I. It's going to cost a bunch of money

Just think how it will go when there are 16 cities rather than one!

II. That money's going to people who already have a lot

This is where being an oligarch pal of Vladmir Putin

III. Coke will still get their cut

People won't like that, but it will happen.

IV. There may be threats

That's what you get in a semi-totalitarian state

V. There will be security

That's also what you get in a semi-totalitarian state

VI. Probably too much security

Again...semi-totalitarian state

VII. That'll make some fans uncomfortable

Right on!

VIII. Not to mention the athletes themselves

Though some Spanish strikers would probably fall down and try to draw a foul on the door.
IX. And who knows whether or not that will make FOX uncomfortable

FOX will be kicking off their ownership of World Cup Broadcasting rights with a trip to Russia...you know that center of all the enemies Americans have ever had (besides England), but as the Daily Show points out maybe they should be okay with that.


X. Which is okay, because Vladmir Putin probably wants a few fans to feel uncomfortable

Topless protests are encouraged.

XI. But the games will still go on...and we will watch them

Maybe we shouldn't, maybe we oughtn't, maybe we should take a stand, but maybe it's sports and we can make a point and have a good time all at once. Sochi was messy, awkward and conflicted, and you can bet that the World Cup will be all that and then some in four years time. But at the end of the day there will be things to cheer and things to question, and we'll do both.