Less than three weeks ago, the country’s national team, the lowest ranked in the World Cup and one that qualified for the tournament only because it was the host, was so pathetic a Russian politician proposed legislation that would fine anyone who made fun of the squad.
A team that has one starter playing outside Russia’s domestic league has beaten one with players from some of the world’s biggest clubs. A team that had never made it out of the group stage is in the elite eight.
A team that had won two World Cup games before this year has beaten one that won the tournament eight years ago.