Congratulations to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his team for getting the World Cup in 2018.

This is a huge win for Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin who just loves sports and the people of Russia who now have $10 billion of infrastructure projects to complete by 2018 for the World Cup.

Most if not all of this money will be made back into the Russian economy on World Cup tourism to Russia, advertising and so forth.

So congratulations to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his team who successfully won the bid for the World Cup.

Soccer is VERY popular in Russia as I have discovered on my visits. I do not think that I have met any young Russian men from 4 to 40 who have not played soccer at some point in their lives.

First the 2014 Sochi Olympics and now the 2018 World Cup. Could Russia be a better place for sports fans to live? I don't think so!

After having seen how the FIFA world Cup Events will be distributed around Russia and how the construction contracts will be dispersed this really is an incredible opportunity for Russia, both for sports, engineering and architectural jobs, construction jobs, manufacturing jobs, tourism jobs, and so forth.

This is a great opportunity for all involved Russian cities to participate both in the construction of new sports facilities and infrastructure and enjoying the sporting events themselves.

I would love to go to Russia to enjoy one of the World Cup games.

There are going to be so many happy kids in Russia! Especially those in Volgodonsk that I know who absolutely LOVE the game of soccer!

Without a doubt Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is a national hero now for securing the world Cup in 2018!

Arnold Vinette
Ottawa, Canada