The first week of World Cup hosting duties has been a triumph for the city of Rostov-on-Don.
Brazil kicked things off with a bang - off the field at least - by taking over the streets in a sea of colour and noise before their 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
The quality of Uruguay's routine victory over Saudi Arabia was impacted by oppressive heat and humidity, before Mexico displayed their considerable quality in seeing off South Korea.
Away from the football, the city's blend of Cossack heritage and Soviet architecture, together with a welcome dose of classic Russian cultural, have offered visitors a warm and engaging welcome on the banks of the Don River.
Here, we review some of the highlights so far…
World Cup 2018: Cossack kids, Swan Lake and Selecao in Rostov-on-Don
‘He instantly popped into our ratings as one of the best U21 midfielders in Europe. The impressive thing is Slot has made him into more of a no.6' Inside Ryan Gravenberch's transformation at Liverpool
‘I don’t think Liverpool would look at Ollie Watkins, a striker isn’t a pressing issue for them – it’s Arsenal who need one’ Former Reds star explains why his old club don’t need an out-and-out forward this summer
