Russia is an example of how soccer can be used as a political tool to foster nationalism and a positive national image. Russia was the location of the 2018 world cup. Since Putin's second term, the Russian Federation has fought for the right to hold international sporting events. Why?

Reasons: - Because only countries that are eligible in the league are allowed to host, doing so implicitly recognizes the esteem of the country - October 2014: 33% of Russians polled listed "sporting achievements" as the third reason for pride in Russia, and a survey demonstrated that Russian students were proud that their country was holding the world cup - Like war, sports can inspire a similar feeling of pride in a nation "war minus the shooting" George Orwell - Hosting these events allows for the opportunity to dispel negative stereotypes and advertise as a tourist destination, increases attractiveness of a country, and associates their leader with strength and a healthful image

Mussolini:

Mussolini, famous Italian dictator, used the growing popularity of football to lend his regime legitimacy and to tie national pride to both the sport and the politics of fascism.

Examples: - Defined national rules and a national league - Obscured the English roots of the club by renaming existing clubs with Italian names - Replacing the word football with the word calcio - He and associates formed and strengthened teams that would later become associated with Fascism

"Fascism was good for Italian Football, and football was good for Fascism."

The integration of soccer as part of one Spanish nation.

This passage illustrates how Mussolini tried to cement soccer as a core part of a deeply italian nation, inter-weaving the popularity of the sport and the formation of one italian nation.