Moscow is ready to play host to the biggest sporting extravaganza of the world. Millions are getting ready to dive into what can be termed a month-long cocoon where everything will revolve around football.
The first ever official football match in history was held between Scotland and England in 1872. Sport-loving British people triggered the expansion of the game in their colonies in a bid to promote physical well-being and, more importantly, to ensure cohesion among the English posted in far-off lands.
The year, 1904, was a watershed for the game as football got the official recognition with the birth of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), a body to promote the game around the world.
In 1930, FIFA made the game as a global sporting event, arranging the first world cup in the South American state, Uruguay.
The fascination started in Uruguay: after 88 years, the carnival is now sent to be unveiled in Russia tonight.
Several hundred thousands of fans from across the world have thronged the Russian capital, Moscow, and other cities ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off at the Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday.
The final takes place at the 81,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium on 15 July.
The East European city turns into a truly global centre of sporting festivity. Football's showpiece event features 737 players from 32 teams, competing in 64 games over 32 days.
The 21st edition will be played out in 12 stadiums across 11 cities.
Hosts Russia will face Saudi Arabia, following an opening ceremony at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium at Bangladesh time 9pm on Thursday.
The Brazilians landed in Russia with their ‘hexa’ (sixth) mission, as the Selecao will be looking to win the World Cup for a record sixth time.
The team, however, wants to wipe out the nightmare memory of 7-1 humiliation against defending champions Germany from the last outing.
Argentina, arch-rivals of Brazil, made their way to the world cup finals through the last game in the qualifying round.
The Albicelestes, world cup finalist in 2014, are dreaming to catch the so far ‘elusive’ third-time title with their talisman, Lionel Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the winner of Ballon d'Or, will be hoping for a first World Cup winners' medal after helping Portugal win Euro 2016.
Spain, France and Germany-the potential trio of Europe, are also hoping to come back home, holding the trophy.
The world converges in Russia to witness the magnificence of sport, the magic of football plus sensational talents.
For the next 32 days, Russia will be the focus of the globe; life’s other priorities will take a back seat; heartbreak or jubilation, a sporting theatre of biblical proportions is about to unfold.
The world pulsating, who knows, across the stars, aliens may also be directing their saucers towards Russia!