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Russian soccer passion runs all the way to P.A.

Jul 5, 2018 | 8:00 AM

The excitement surrounding Russia’s heroics at the soccer World Cup is reaching all the way to Prince Albert.

One local household in particular is going to get very noisy if the Russians defy all expectations and reach the final at the world’s single biggest sporting event.

“We’re a very proud nation and soccer is a huge thing for us,” Yelena Kruchinina told paNOW from her office at Mann Northway. “Even when I was back home [in the 1990s] soccer was as huge as it is now, and hosting the tournament is a big honour. To see the team doing so well is fantastic.”

Kruchinina was just eight years old when the former Soviet Union collapsed, and she arrived in Canada as a 16-year-old. She said the emotions and passion among all her relatives are running high.

“Everybody, and I mean everybody, will be watching the games, no matter their age, group, or gender. I have family and friends in Russia and in Canada who have not missed a game and are so excited,” she said.

Russia started the tournament as one of the lowest-ranked teams among the 32 contenders, having once been regarded as a powerful force in football in the days of the USSR. Despite the pressure and weight of expectation as the host nation, they now find themselves into the last eight and on the side of the draw that features none of the remaining heavyweights (Brazil, France, and Uruguay). They will face Croatia in the quarter-finals Saturday after eliminating former world champions Spain in a dogged defensive effort that culminated in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the round of 16. Given the upset results so far in the tournament, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that Russia could make it to the final.

“If they keep going and get into the final, there is definitely going to be some cheering going on in my house,” Kruchinina said.

 

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertNOW