Russia has had many soccer stars, including Lev Yashin, who was cited by FIFA as the 20th century's greatest goal keeper.
The former superpower has made nine World Cup appearances – seven as the Soviet Union – and its best performance was in 1966, when it reached the semifinals. But it has never hosted the World Cup and is eager to improve its footballing credentials, as well as improve its sports facilities, infrastructure, and image on the world stage.
Russia will already be tested in the latter as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, held in the resort town of Sochi. Russia has two substantial facilities: Luzhniki Stadium, which has an 80,000-person capacity, but could be expanded to 90,000, and Kirov Stadium in St. Petersburg, which is under construction but is proposed to hold 62,000.
Find out more about Russia's bid.
