The final corner is in sight

It all has come to the final corner all of a sudden. The following Monday Russia would wake up in the hangover of the after party of the World Cup winning celebrations. It is just a matter of four games now and the new World Champion will be crowned.

The continuous showers in St Petersburg are making sure that I do not miss Pune but whenever the skies clear up, I am making sure I go out for little walks nearby. I think rain too understands the importance of a football match and the skies again don a blue colour until both games for the day are over. 

I decide to enjoy the game between Brazil and Belgium in FIFA Fan Fest in the city, which is located at five minutes walking distance from my place. Although Media Accreditation helps you be in the shorter queue, a little confusion between volunteers lead to me running from one gate to another and back and forth as they figure out which entrance is for the media and I almost miss the first goal.

The atmosphere is a little subdued as Brazil lets in a goal within a minute after I enter the FIFA Fan Fest as a crowd of around 2,000 watch the game. 

The crowd becomes even quieter after Belgium doubles their lead as most of them are rooting for a Brazil victory. I have never experienced a crowd this big so silent as they keep their eyes glued on the big screen, hoping for a turnaround which isn’t meant to be.

Like I said, it’s down to just the last corner now. The finish line is well within sight. 

(The writer shares his travel and tour experiences, and also catches the fun and revelry during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.)