In about a week from now, we all will be witnessing the greatest football players and crazy enthusiasts all geared up in anticipation and excitement to experience the biggest sporting event on the planet earth…The Fifa WC 2018 . An event which was started way back in 1930, has become one of its kind celebration that every nation awaits in spite of the fact that their team is a participant or not. Take India for example. In India, where cricket is followed so religiously and jubilation gets associated only with cricketing tournaments, once every 4 years we are able to sight same emotions and cheering when people go all out to support their favorite footballing nations. There is so much that surrounds this game and I wish to discuss all of these wonderful associations and aspects in this post.

Lets talk about these wonderful players and many more like them who become the reason for us to get associated with this game so closely. These players, with the caliber and unique image that they have established in our hearts and minds, are able to create such a beautiful and exciting experience for us. The drama to find out who is the greatest of all the great soccer players and the hysteria about who will emerge out to become the best has always been the key battle to look forward to. CR7 vs Messi10 will always be the strongest fight despite the fact that players like Neymar or Harry Kane or Griezmann have acquired their status quo and continue to give tough competition to stay in the limelight.

But looking at only the individualistic heroics does not suffice the battleground. The teams these players encompass have gained the title of either being the Favorites or Dark Horses of the tournament. According to me there are 5 sure shot favorites : Germany, Brazil, Spain, Argentina and France. These teams will always continue to dominate the footballing tournaments considering their achievements in the past and also the quality of game the players bring to the field. Its also important to look at the dark horses who continue to bring the biggest of the shocks and create a jaw struck moment by going beyond the expectations and predefined perceptions regarding their performance. There are 3 Dark horse according to me in 2018: England, Portugal, and Netherlands. It was surprising to see a team like Netherlands reaching the semi-final of 2014 FIFA WC and giving such a tough time to a team like Argentina. In the past as well, many of these favorites have been disappointed by the unheard and unseen fight put up by these dark horses.

Now what can I say more about these wonderful Stadiums. Every host nation in the history has amazed me and many other fans with out of this world unique architectures and structures of the stadiums. This year 12 such playing venues will once again leave us with a beautiful memory in our eyes. The seating capacities of these grounds however vary but the fans fill these spaces to create the same rejuvenating experiences that have been taking place since a long time now. The ceremonies hosted at these stadiums just seems so mesmerizing to watch and these venues just light up and bring everything else to stand still.

And how can I not talk about these lovely mascots who become the face of the tournament. These mascots are not just mere ambassadors for the event but are a thoughtful creations to actually know. This year for example, ZABIVAKA is the name of the official mascot who is wolf. Zabivaka means “the one who scores” in Russian, a very suitable name for this wolf who radiates fun, charm and confidence. The Official Mascot will play a very important role in the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. The wolf will as always promote the event and entertain the crowds at the stadiums in its own unique and fun style. In the past these mascots have delighted the fans with their presence and will continue to be a center for attraction as long as this tournament continues to be played.

These theme songs play a vital role in my life for sure. They become such a popular tune to sing along during each and every game. Even if you are not going to watch the world cup or dissociate yourself completely from the tournament because you are not interested, these songs will still become one of your favorites in the your playlists. Be it Shakira’s Waka Waka or K’Naan’s Wavin Flag or Pitbull and Jlo’s “We are one” have become the national anthems for FIFA WC. This year Jason Derulo will once again entertain our ears with this year’s theme song : COLORS. Listening to these songs motivates you in an extreme sense as well as supports the enormous amount of joy and happiness to the moments that one experiences throughout the tournament.

In the end its all because of these Fans who come wholeheartedly to support their teams. They are the one who fill the empty stadiums with their colorful celebrations. The different emotions of these fans is what binds the game together. Its not just about the fans who are in the stadiums but also the ones who contribute to the massive viewership across various nations. Fan zones are created on the virtual and real platforms by brands to make their mark as well and keep these fans engaged with various creatives and immersive explorations. The zest with which these zealots enjoy each and every moment of the period is what each player in the history of the game has lived for. The dream to perform and live up to the expectations of millions is not easy but the strength to achieve the triumph is because of these people only. The game will never be bigger than its fans and these crazy fanatics will continue to be an integral part of the various other associations. The uncompromising passion is what drives the tournament to be where it is today. Let the Feast Begin!!