World cup Russia....

I can confirm that the old town in Nizhny Novgorod is absolutely wonderful. Not just for the architectural beauty, but there are loads of very cool wine bars, restaurants, and craft ale pubs. Lots of little yards with street food and drinks too, all along the spectacular setting of the banks of the Volga. I'll definitely return with the missus for a weekend one time.

 

Also think Nizhny Novgorod is a magic place name to pronounce, a real tongue roller. Not heard two tele commentators pronounce it the same way yet!

 

It means "Lower New Town" in Russia, and was so named to distinguish it from Veliky Novgorod (Great New Town) near St Petersburg, which used to be one of the most important trading posts in Europe. Rather amusingly some Argentina fans turned up in the wrong Novgorod yesterday, and had to watch France pounding them in a bar! From what I understand the locals took pity, and looked after them Russian style. They're probably still in a banya or swimming naked in a lake right now!

 

Thanks Sounds like they got the best end of the deal considering the result!

 

Have you been to Suzdal? We went last time we were in Russia - tiny place with loads of church's. Locals didn't speak any English but could not have been more friendly.
Really regret not getting tickets for the World Cup now.

 

I think it's clear that the Russian authorities have ensured the Russian hooligans wouldn't be active this summer.

Also though, there's two types of major tournaments with regard to supporters and atmosphere and it's largely down to location. The tournaments located in more difficult places to travel to (South Korea/Japan, Brazil, South Africa, Ukraine/Poland and Russia) usually see smaller groups of fans travelling. They're usually proper football fans, football tourists or tourists in general. You don't get the lads weekends away, the groups of mates popping over for a week drinking etc. It's usually a more friendly atmosphere, a celebration of football and cultures even. Then you get tournaments in Western Europe (France 98, Euro 2000, Germany 06, France 2016) where most countries can take thousands upon thousands of fans very easily. Suddenly there's 10,000 Hungarians in Marseilles, 25,000 Germans in Paris, 50,000 England fans travelling through France and so on and so on. Whilst it's still a minority that engage in violence, the sheer numbers of fans on either side at any given match leads to a more tense and potentially volatile environment. No group of lads is going to fly into Samara or Kalingrad without tickets for a booze up, but thousands would pop over to Germany or France for a weekend boozing. The latter is what often leads to trouble.

 

I think its a case of not shittin on yer own doorstep with the russian hoolies. Sure it will be back to business once the tournament is over.

 

Putin has made sure his country will be seen in a good light. I'm pretty sure the russian hooligans have been warned that anyone getting involved will face a long time behind bars.

 

There was never likely to be any trouble. Imagine how much of an embarrassment Russia & Putin would look to the US & rest of the world if they couldn’t control a few hooligans? He’d have never allowed it to happen

 

Never been to Suzdal unfortunately, but heard it's well worth a visit.