Source: Liverpool_Echo
Russia’s Everton FC star Diniyar Bilyaltdinov not blue as his homeland rejoices
EVERTON winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov feels the decision to award Russia the 2018 World Cup will allow football to grow in his homeland.[LNB]The Russian bid saw off competition from England, Spain/Portugal and Holland/Belgium at the announcement in Zurich despite the absence of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is now flying to Switzerland.[LNB]'I think it is great news for Russia, it is a great decision because Russia needs this tournament more than other countries,' said the 37-cap international Bliyaletdinov.[LNB]'For example, England could host the tournament tomorrow, they are a real football nation with great stadiums and everything is ready.[LNB] 'I can't say the same for Russia because the football infrastructure is not so good. We need to take the next step and this decision will help us to do that.[LNB]'We can build stadiums and bring our game forward. Football will become the number one sport in Russia, it will become the most popular thing and people will all want to come and watch football in nice new stadiums.[LNB]'There will also be a big knock-on effect and it will create lots of jobs and help to strengthen the economy.[LNB]'We have the Winter Olympics soon in Russia and that will help us prepare. It will give us the experience of hosting a major tournament and will help us put on a great World Cup.[LNB]'People will be disappointed here and it is understandable as England would no doubt have put on a great World Cup, but they have fine stadiums and the Premier League is a fantastic competition so there is no shortage of good football for them to watch. It is not the same in Russia and everyone is really excited. I have had lots of messages from people over there.
