Euro exit shows Russia's soccer crisis ahead of World Cup (The Associated Press)

Going out in the group stage to a 3-0 defeat to Wales capped a disastrous European Championship for 2018 World Cup host Russia, which has been better known in France for its hooligans than its footballers. When it won the right to host the World Cup in December 2010, Russia seemed to be a rising power in world football, having reached the semifinals of the European Championship two years before. Three major tournaments and three early exits later, Russia is in crisis with an elderly squad, little young talent and a coach who has signaled he wants out.