The former Chelsea and Bordeaux midfielder says that his homeland has smashed up preconceptions by hosting the tournament so smoothly
Former Russia international star Alexei Smertin believes that World Cup 2018, hosted by his home country, has been so good that it is the greatest in history.
The Chelsea and Fulham midfielder turned his hand to politics after his playing days, leaving him in the position to become the Russian Football Union's anti-racism and discrimination inspector at their showpiece event.
Many media outlets had raised fears around Russia's ability to organise an international event of this magnitude.