Samindra Kunti

Cold reality hits the Russian town where vast sums of money were spent on the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The emirate is not short of sporting stars and enthusiastic expatriates, but something’s missing.

Ultimately, the best team was crowned world champion, a fair accolade after Löw’s decade-long renovation of German football.

The Red devils represent an ideal modern nation but ultimately merely mask the country’s division.

Five ambitious teams are in Brazil with the goal of becoming the continent’s first World Cup semifinalists.