Sunday 04 / May / 2025
Muscat: Omani residents are among the millions of fans visiting Russia for the 2018 World Cup, with many enjoying the trip of a lifetime thanks to the hospitality, safety, and thrills they have experienced.
One such resident is Alexey Andrianov, a Dutch expatriate, who praised the atmosphere, fun, and celebratory mood the beautiful game has brought to Russia.
“The general atmosphere is terrific, it’s like a football party everywhere -- at stadiums, in fan zones, airports and cities,” he said. “Fans are coming from everywhere, singing songs, sporting their team’s colours, celebrations and happiness. Every city hosting the World Cup has large fan zones where people gather to watch games together. There’s also a main fan street on Nikolskaya Street in Moscow, otherwise known as the Street of Lights, where fans from all participating nations meet everyday.”
“Effectively, there’s a football carnival on this street 24 hours a day,” added Andrianov. “But of course the major World Cup experience is in the stadiums and the areas around.”
Andrianov said he met with other Omani residents in stadiums across Russia.
“I went to six matches in five different cities,” he shared. “I was at the opening game between Russia and Saudi Arabia. The opening ceremony was very compact and colourful. There were almost 80,000 supporters there. Of course, most fans cheered for Russia, including myself and my brother, but there were 2,000 Saudis as well. The result was spectacular for the Russian team—5-0! I lost my voice just like most people attending the match.”
“I was also in Sochi to attend the Spain vs Portugal match, which ended 3-3,” he added. “The stands were ecstatic from the beginning to the end, as there were many great combinations and goals on the pitch. The stadium in Sochi, the Fisht Stadium, was also incredible and is located near the sea.”
Andrianov praised Russia’s hosting of the quadrennial event.
“What I like most about this World Cup is the organisation, the general atmosphere, and the number of goals, he said. “Russia spent a lot of effort to build stadiums, infrastructure, and upgrade airports, as well as to make sure the World Cup experience was great for everyone. There are free trains between host cities for ticket holders, too. I, for example, took a night train from Moscow to St. Petersburg and back to attend the Argentina vs. Nigeria match.”
According to Russian authorities, over 600 billion roubles have been spent on the event to offer fans the most secure and comprehensive experience possible.
English and Spanish-speaking volunteers have also been posted in every city, in recognition of the fact that the two are important languages for the World Cup, with 8 of the 32 participating nations being English-speaking countries. Andrianov also commended the Russians for welcoming foreign fans with open arms.
“Russian people have shown a great example of hospitality, helping foreigners and joining them in celebrations or sad moments,” recounted Andrianov. “As it is football, teams do lose.”
“In total, around 2.5 million people will attend 64 matches, 54 per cent of them foreigners,” he explained. “The largest group of supporters surprisingly comes from South and Central America. Around 30,000 to 60,000 people came from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. There were songs and long processions with flags and music. It’s not just a game but a passion and a way of life for them!”
With 54 of 64 matches played, there is still plenty of fun left for fans such as Andrianov to enjoy. To date, 143 goals have been scored and 41,563 passes completed, according to FIFA. Brazil’s Neymar Jr. has the most attempts on goal at 24, while Denmark’s Christian Eriksen has covered 51km, more than any other player. Belgium’s Red Devils, who recently beat Japan, have scored 12 goals – the most in the tournament – while hosts Russia have the best defensive record in terms of tackles, clearances, and saves.
“In stadiums and fan zones, one can see so many beautiful things – Russians taking pictures with British fans, Iranians talking nicely with Saudis, Argentinians singing ‘Argentina, Messi, Maradona’ with thousands of locals joining in,” shared Andrianov. “Everywhere you look, there are smiles. It’s a very happy experience! I hope Qatar closely follows this World Cup and creates the same atmosphere in four years.”
Andrianov concluded by wishing everyone had a chance to attend this memorable tournament. “I also wish that everyone tries to attend the next World Cup for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” he said.
