Photos: FIFA World Cup 2018 brings a village community closer

Host nation Russia’s early success in the FIFA World Cup tournament this year has only amplified the status of popular players such as Aleksandr Golovin or Igor Akinfeev. But talent from elsewhere in the world is inspiring a generation towards the sport, introducing others to football for the first time and creating bonds within communities –the small village of Aleksandrovka with its 1,500 inhabitants being just one example of the game’s impact on communities and the lives of fans across the world.

Updated on: Jul 04, 2018 9:21 AM IST

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Dimitri Strazhkov dreams about becoming a professional player with CSKA Moscow and one day being called up to play for Russia’s national team. The 15 year-old and other boys of all ages train every day at a small soccer field in the village of Aleksandrovka that was built only five years ago as a present from the town of Samara. (David Gray / REUTERS)

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Located in the heart of a village with about 1,500 inhabitants, and under the watchful eye of a statue of Soviet state founder Vladimir Lenin, it serves the community as both an outlet for the teenagers to express themselves and as a meeting place for residents old and young. (David Gray / REUTERS)

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For the kids in the village, the soccer field is at the centre of many of their close-knit relationships. “We call each other, we text on social media and knock on each other’s door. Then we agree on a time to come to the soccer field,” Strazhkov said. On the field, the players try to emulate the skills of their heroes on television. (David Gray / REUTERS)

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A farmer holding a television remote waves from the front gate of his home during half-time of the World Cup game between France and Argentina. The host nation’s early success in the tournament has only amplified the status of popular players such as Aleksandr Golovin or Igor Akinfeev. (David Gray / REUTERS)

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An old army jeep is parked outside a home at sunset in the village of Alexandrovka. The foreign talents on display, including those of Russia’s next opponents Spain, have also inspired the children of Aleksandrovka. Despite wearing a Spain T-shirt, Dimitri Maklakov was certain Russia would win when the two sides met in the last 16 on Sunday. (David Gray / REUTERS)

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Traditional decorated windows are seen on a home. Dimitri Terentyev, whose son Denis is a regular on the village pitch, says soccer runs in the blood. “His grandfather, his four brothers and my brother and I as well played football, and now Denis does as well,” he said. “And I hope my youngest will soon be playing as well.” (David Gray / REUTERS)

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Yet for some, the World Cup is the very first time some villagers have encountered soccer. Pensioner Irina Aleekseva, who lives alone in an old wooden house, says she has been reading soccer magazines and watching the news to learn about the game and engage with her grandchildren who visit her at the weekend to help run her farm. (David Gray / REUTERS)

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“My grandchildren motivate me as they ask questions all the time, and they support the team and ask me to watch the matches with them,” she says as the family gather to watch France play Argentina on the television. I should be a modern grandmother and know who the stars like Ronaldo or Messi are.” (David Gray / REUTERS)