There was no winter to stop France in Russia. The French, noted for their French fries, could withstand the heat of the Russian summer, as they do in the kitchen.
Putin's Russia, unlike Ras Putin, the enigmatic mystic figure that ruined the Romanovs in the days of imperial Russia, has made his country proud by hosting the world so remarkably as never before, even as he prepares for a historic meeting with the irrepressible President Donald Trump.
It's the French flag that flies high in Russia, just as the fantastic, incredible CROATES ruminate on what could have been...
Croatia has done great. They played with zest, and zeal, and flair, and flavour, and flourishing form...
Croatia should hold their heads high. There'll be another day, another time...
In four years time, God permitting, we shall see another World Cup Tournament - somewhere in the Middle East.
My dear friends, I hope you have had a wonderful time being a part of this memorable world event these past weeks. I have enjoyed every moment of it.
Next stop: another season of relentless energy, suspense and drama of the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundus League, and Italian League, where the ever self-renewing CR7 is sure to add more trophies to his loaded cabinet...
Fly to France, if you can, and have a romantic night.