Millions of fans have been enjoying the goals, drama and all the excitement of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ at the various FIFA Fan Fests™ across the country.

The FIFA Fan Fest in Moscow is the largest at this World Cup, taking in as many as 25,000 fans at a time. It is in Vorobyory Cory, situated on a hill on the right bank of the Moskva River, providing fans a stunning view of the beautiful city.

Before the Group A match between hosts Russia and Uruguay, fans from Russia, Brazil, Argentina, IR Iran, Mexico, Peru, Egypt, Sweden and more poured into the fest ground, proudly decked out in their countries’ colours. Both young and old, men and women, boys and girls were drawn to the variety of games on offer, including mini-football kick-abouts, table soccer, football-themed bouncing castles and video games.

There was live music for fans to enjoy, with bands playing danceable tunes in Russian to the enjoyment of the home crowd. “This place rocks!” shouted an excited Alina Antonova, who took time off work at a Moscow sports shop to come down to the fest. “I was here on the opening game of the World Cup and I loved it – there are many people here, the energy is great and so too the atmosphere.”

Kent Morsing and Dennis Andersen have been in Russia to cheer on Denmark at this World Cup. “I am very amazed with what I have seen here,” said Andersen, sporting his Denmark shirt. “We are having fun out here, there’s a lot to eat and drink. It’s friendly and safe and everything is well organised.”

“We couldn’t have hoped for a better way to spend some time in Russia,” added Morsing.

The noise level at the Fan Fest soared as the several giant television screens showed the Uruguay-Russia match. The Russian national anthem was sung as passionately as it was at Samara Arena. The fans screamed, willing Russia on whenever they got near Uruguay’s goal with chants of Ro-si-ya! Ro-si-ya! Ro-si-ya!

Despite the defeat, Salina Kolotsey maintained Russia’s Sbornaya will go as far as the quarter-finals. “We are not the strongest team, but we have done well to get out of the group. It won’t be bad to get to the quarter-finals at least."