STRENGTHS

::A new territory for the World Cup - something which appeals strongly to FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Asensio's Screamer Vs FC Barcelona
Asensio's Screamer Vs FC Barcelona
In one of Real Madrid's most outstanding performances at the Camp Nou, Los Blancos beat FC Barcelona 3-1 in the Spanish Supercup. Real were leading 2-1 after Cristiano Ronaldo's 80th minute goal, but just before the final whistle, we sealed the win with this beautiful Marco Asensio strike.
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::Carried out an impressive campaign with lobbyists with excellent FIFA connections.

::Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's political clout was a major plus even though he did not attend the vote.

::Huge building programme would leave a fantastic legacy from a World Cup.

WEAKNESSES

::Judged a medium operational risk by FIFA's inspectors and air transport a high risk.

::Huge building programme carries its own challenges.

::Enormous size of the country not great for fans.

::Struggled to shake off impression that racism among Russian fans is a problem.

::Putin skipping the announcement in Zurich could have been considered a snub.