Russia will host the 2018 World Cup, beating England's bid as well as joint bids from Spain/Portugal and Belgium/Netherlands. So how did they win it, and will it be a success?
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.
