Russya and World Cup Mask Economic Woes

      The World Cup entertainment cycle continues in Putin's Russya.   The 1 million + visitors have had a look inside Russya that hasn't been viewed in generations.  They see a little, but miss most of the largest country in the world.  What they also miss is the economic suffering of the majority of the population.  After over 20 years at the helm of his "novo" Russya, Vladimir Vladimirovich has not been able to resurrect the country's moribund economy.  Sanctions imposed by the USA and followed almost universally by other western nations has had a harsh impact on the country.  With the takeover of Crimea and the invasion of the Donbass region in eastern Ukraines, Russya and Putin have informed the world that they will do anything to establish the country as an international player.  However, it has led the country to be recognized as an international pariah.  Tsk, tsk.
      As the Round of 16 in World Cup competition has played out, the Kremlin quietly announced that retirement age has been increased by 8 years.  Yes, in one announcement, the "boomers" of Russya have been ordered to work for another 8 years.  Shocking, if you are a worker bee.   Meanwhile, the oligarchs continue to march around the West buying designer apartments and designer goods in London and Paris.  The workers toil.
      The quarter finals start tomorrow.   The intensity rises.  The temperature of the local workers will also rise as reality hits home.   Maybe the local team will prevail, against the odds, and ascend the winners' podium.   Fat chance. 
     My money is on Brazil, and yours?