Moscow: World Cup organisers say the competition will draw more than one million fans to Russia, creating challenges that range from the logistical to the cultural for the hosts and their guests.
One million expected
There won’t be an “Oranje” army in Russia, because the Dutch failed to qualify, but there will still be the clapping Icelanders, the chanting English and the distinctive personalities of the supporters of the other 29 visiting countries.
The differing languages, songs, flags and fan cultures of the world will energise the streets of Russia’s host cities until the middle of July.
The figure of one million seems to have been reached by a surprisingly unscientific manner. Fifa has deducted the number of tickets sold to Russians, 872,578, from the two million it says have been sold in total.
The biggest demand, outside the host nation, has come from the United States, whose team failed to qualify, with 86,710 sold. Then comes Brazil (71,787), Colombia (64,231) and Germany (60,457). The English are not even in the top ten.
Russia’s objective, organising committee chief Alexei Sorokin said, is to show fans “an unforgettable, colourful Russia.” — AFP
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