If Russia is experiencing the frenzy before the much-awaited FIFA World Cup, the enthusiasm of Indians is no less. In fact, with Russia hosting the event, a record number of Indians have bought tickets to watch the event live in their friendly neighbourhood.
Notwithstanding the fact that India is not amongst the team qualified for this prestigious event, there is every possibility that the TRP ratings of this mega show would overshoot any other WC hosted in the past. Going by an estimate conducted by leading football site, fans from India have bought more tickets than the English fans who are known all over the world as biggest supporters of the game.
There is a reason for this. Fans from states like Kerala and Bengal are applying in large numbers to the Russian embassy for visas during this time. Traditionally, Indians have always backed Argentina and Brazil. But this time around, Russia being the host and the country’s long-standing friend, it is certainly going to get a lot of support from this part of the world.
And who doesn’t know that host countries have always excelled in the past. This time, Stanislav Cherchesov carries the hopes of making a positive impact on home soil. Russians will certainly draw inspiration from South Korean experience in 2002.
There are other countries which have failed to handle the pressure of performing before the home crowd. Be it South Africa in 2010 or Poland & Ukraine in Euro 2012, they have all failed to advance beyond group stages.
Therefore, it remains to be seen what results Russia can show. Russia is clubbed along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Uruguay in Group A. And mind it, Uruguay with Barcelona star Luis Suárez and Egypt with Liverpool best striker Mohamed Salah have already been picked as best two to advance by football pundits.
