Fans and touts have field day

Anticipation was at an all-time high hours before Russia prepared to take on Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

While a few were ecstatic, many nervous faces stood in the line at the FIFA venue ticketing centre about six kilometres away from the centre of the action. Many were undeterred by the snaking lines and began chants of their respective countries to lighten the mood under nice sunny skies in the Russian capital.

Mickey, a Serbian fan waited nearly three hours in the line but displayed the spirit with which fans had descended.

“It’s the World Cup, what did you expect?” he said.

“I travelled all the way for this and I know it will be worth it. I’m waiting to watch Serbia take on Brazil and am eager to watch Matic and Ivanovic on the pitch.”

A majority waiting to get their passes were South Americans who seemed to be enjoying in the pleasant Russian sun at 13 degrees.

Despite tight security, ticket sales went on in black. Dealers were quoting as much as 1000 USD for the opening ceremony which had a maximum price of 550 USD. Apart from that, desperate fans frequented the queues just to see if they could get an extra pass from somewhere.

Regardless of the negatives, the party has surely begun in the backdrop of the iconic Kremlin.