Russia 2018: The strengths and weaknesses

Russia will host the 2018 World Cup - here PA Sport's chief reporter Martyn Ziegler looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the successful bid.

STRENGTHS

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

::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.