Captain of the French football team, Hugo Lloris. France last won the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and is under much pressure to win this game.

Fifa world cup might have city fans divided over the team they will be rooting for in the finale, but all are set for a night of mega excitement

The long wait for the FIFA World Cup finals is finally over and the city is all geared up to cheer for the competing teams — Croatia and France. While embassies are planning their own screenings, restaurants are hosting theme parties and offering tempting discounts, and soccer enthusiasts have made plans to enjoy the historical match. From house parties to outdoor get-togethers, we find out what the city plans to do.

Entrepreneur Sumit Singh has grand plans for the evening. “This World Cup has been full of surprises. Our group was initially divided between Argentina and Portugal. But as the events unfolded, we are now cheering for Croatia. To mark the historic day we are having a theme party. One can choose to be anyone of the footballers from any team — with proper jersey, hairstyle and face painting. It will be exciting to have the best players known across the football world seen cheering for Croatia. Besides a big screen screening, we will have a bar serving beer and chicken.” And interestingly, Singh’s grandfather is the main sponsor of the party. “My granddad is really enthusiastic about  football. While he enjoys watching the top stars of soccer in action, the sudden twist in this year’s World Cup really got him into the mood and that's when he offered to not just be a part of the fun but co-host it.”

Banker Deepak Kumar is all charged up about the World Cup finale and will be hosting an elaborate house party on the occasion. “I have my jersey ready. Some of my friends are coming over and I have arranged for a projector. We are going to paint our faces, get snacks and beer, and root for our favoured countries.”

For marketing professional Apurv Sah, the finale calls for a night-in as well. “But not before I go out and have a football match of my own with my friends. We are going to play at Adidas Base in Chhattarpur in the morning and then start preparing for the big night,” he says.

It is going to be a chicken and wine night for him. “I am supporting France and can’t wait for them to win. It is going to be after 20 years that France is looking forward to a Fifa Cup.”

On the other hand, game developer Nipun David is gearing up for some family time. “My father and sister are huge fans and looking forward to this night. Some family friends are expected to come over. But in case there’s a change in plans, then we will be headed for an exciting night at a restaurant.”

Be it at home or outside, it sure is going to be a thrilling night bringing people together to enjoy the adrenaline-charged game. “Some people in my friends’ circle are supporting France and others Croatia, but I guess it is fun that way. We get to debate about it a lot and things heat up, but that’s all part of the fun and mega excitement,” Nipun concludes.

DT17