So they say Russians are collectivists? That’s partly true. For the most part, though, it’s sheer nonsense. Russians have had an overdose of collectivism, both ideological and practical, – a forcibly administered overdose. Now it’s table-turning time, which means lots of ex-Soviets have turned into ultra-individualists: destructive, I-don’t-give-a-shit-about-y’all individualists.
There are more Russians in the NHL than there are legionaries from any other country. The Russian hockey championship is second in quality only to the NHL. Why, then, can’t the national team consistently come in second or third in every big international event? Why lose to Swedes, Finns, Czechs and Slovaks?
Things are not so good for Russian soccer, but still there are enough good Russian players in European clubs, and the Russian premier league is not that bad. With all those pros, Russia managed to lose to Israel just yesterday! (Not to metion past losses to Iceland and Georgia.) I wonder if Israel has as many as three people playing for decent Euro clubs.
I suspect there is no team spirit whatsoever: “I get paid playing for my club, and I don’t give a damn for the national team.”
I hope I’m wrong.