Blog: South, Central American fans bring Latino spirit to FIFA World Cup in Russia
Uruguay
Fans leave no stone unturned to cheer and praise their favourite football team.
Inside the stadiums, 32 football teams are competing against each other but outside the ground, it's 'fans vs fans'.
From the middle of Moscow, at the famous Red Square, to the pubs, restaurants and other public places, fans leave no stone unturned to cheer and praise their favourite football team.
But nothing can match the enthusiasm of Latin American teams in Russia.
Thousands of miles away from their homes, they are calling Russia their second home till the football carnival ends.
The absence of Italy and The Netherlands from the FIFA World Cup 2018 is clearly visible in small European fan base in Russia.
The support was clearly visible during Mexico vs Germany clash, when the fans were cheering for 'Mexico'.
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The fans were visible in the ratio of 2:1 and the ear-splitting chanting proved that it is the Mexican wave.
Outside the stadium and in the streets, the Latin American fans have outnumbered European team fans in the same 2:1 ratio.
" I have been saving money for last 4 years to visit Russia. Our team needs support here. I will watch all the games and cheer for my team", says Maria Guadralupe, an Argentinian fan.
Lulu from Brazil has been cheering for her team, outside the Kremlin in the middle of Red Square with her group of four Brazilian friends.
The group of four, two girls and two boys, were seen performing Samba on the foot tapping music.
"It was my birthday and I thought what better than celebrating it in Russia and extending my support to my favourite team", said Lulu.
As Panama qualified for the World Cup for the first time, a group of fans travelled all the way to Russia to cheer for their team.
"I came here to see how our team is playing the game. We know World Cup is a distant dream but we want our team to fight and play a good game," Martinez said.
Meanwhile, some European fans have their unique way of showing their support for their teams.
Adrijana and Capeka are from Iceland and are showing the support for their teams by giving free hugs.
Everyday they stand in the middle of Red Square and give free hugs to the supporters of their teams.
Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia and Peru are the major teams from Latin America participating in FIFA 2018 in Russia.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)