World Cup 2018 is just a step away – ready?

Moscow city has been pretty chilly these days – as much as I wanted to check out the opening of the giant Fan Zone in Vorobyovy gory, the temptation to stay somewhere warm was irresistible. I was literally freezing – in my winter jacket! I’ll definitely see what’s going on there later and share my experience, but for now I suggest seeing RT’s coverage of the opening.

The picture up above is the masterpiece I’ve found on the territory of the broadcast compound near Luzhniki stadium, which you see in the background. Luzhniki is the main venue for this World Cup and it will host the kick-off match between Russian and Saudi Arabia on June 14th. The sculpture in the picture was supposedly assembled by some guys from HBS. I don’t have a clue of who’s face it has, but at least the mannequin itself has a name. The writing on the hat says “Masha”, which is the most common Russian female name (short for Maria). I’m pretty sure she’d make a great inofficial mascot of the tournament – pity they’ll probably remove her prior to the opening.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been inside the stadium yet (and, frankly, yesterday’s weather didn’t inspire me much to insist on walking in). Instead, I can show you some bits of the IBC (International Broadcast Center) – it’s almost all set.