In a highly anticipated match between two of the most powerful soccer teams in the world, the United States and Russia played their second game. The U.S. won in the second half 1-0 to create a major distance between the two sides. The team’s performance proved that they are a cut above their Russian counterparts, and they showed the world that they are an equal class. However, the next match between the two countries is likely to be much closer than the first.

The United States and Russia are preparing for the match with the same strategy. However, the U.S. and the European Union must be prepared to respond in a manner that is not only diplomatic, but also effective. In this situation, both sides need to show openness to negotiations. The United States and the EU must express an openness to follow-up on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Otherwise, this match will not be a success.

Russia has enormous natural resources and is diverse in its environment. Their size makes them hard to ignore in political alliances. Both countries are core states in their regional alliances, with Russia being an important player. The U.S. is the dominant force in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and its European Union members are challenging it. It is difficult to predict how the two countries will react to these new comrades.