Experiencing this World Cup purely as a fan, I'm struck by how little I've seen (or read) of Russia itself. Covering Brazil 2014 as a reporter, it felt like the country was center stage. Was that true? Is this one different? Or was my perspective just warped? :)
There was much more widespread human rights violations in the preparation for the World Cup in Brazil than in Russia. That could be a reason. Also it’s been more positive in Russia.