The World Cup is in full swing, but once the final whistle blows, what will its legacy be for the host country's people? Russian authorities hope the tournament will have a long-term impact, by boosting trade and tourism, but some are less convinced. CGTN's Dan Williams has the story from Moscow.  

Some of enduring images from the 2018 World Cup. Football fans from around the globe enjoying themselves at iconic Russian landmarks. But once the dust settles on Russia 2018, there remains the question as to what the legacy of the tournament will be on the country. The World Cup is expected to cost Russia around $10.7 billion dollars although some analysts believe that figure is closer to $14 billion dollars, making it the most expensive World Cup ever. But authorities say it's all worth it.

ALEKSEY SOROKIN LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE CEO ''We did not build anything that we don't need. Everything that was built would have been built anyway. The World Cup is just the catalyst for that. Every piece of infrastructure, all the terminals, airfields, roads, railroad stations, etc. This is something that will serve our citizens for a long time."

But a report by credit rating agency Moody's claims the World Cup will only have short-term economic impact. Russia devoted more than $2.8 billion dollars towards building and overhauling 12 stadiums in 11 cities. But previous hosts have struggled to maintain such gigantic sporting arenas, and it raises the question as to whether some of that money could have been better spent. A 90 minute drive from Moscow lies the town of Zvenigorod. There is little in the way of World Cup sparkle here. This match features youngsters from the Kavalergard Football School. But their coach tells me they struggle to maintain what they have.

LUKYANOV ALEXANDROVICH KAVALERGARD FOOTBALL SCHOOL COACH "I really want there to be more financing, particularly in children's football. This is where the major problems lie. We need to have more good quality coaches, and have more seminars for those coaches, to make them better. But all of this, unfortunately, has to do with financing."

Russia began the World Cup as the lowest ranked team, but surprised many by progressing to the knockout stages. Authorities hope the tournament will inspire the next generation of players.

DAN WILLIAMS MOSCOW "Only in time will we see whether the World Cup will have a lasting impact on grassroots football across the country, and whether the interest in development will still be there, once the FIFA spotlight moves on."

But authorities believe, if nothing else, there are intangible long-term gains.

ALEKSEY SOROKIN LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE CEO "It will solidify our confidence, our belief in ourselves, and our team. We have shown the world that we can organize a huge planetary event. We have shown the world our hospitality. If most of our guests will go back with a great impression, and wish to go back to Russia, we will feel that our task is fulfilled."

Whether the World Cup will have quite the impact on the country as claimed is unclear. The sums may not add up. But images like these can only serve to bolster the image of Russia across the globe. Dan Williams, CGTN, Moscow.