Fifa World Cup 2018: Chinese fans fly the red flag high – thanks to close relations with Russia

Completed just before the 1980 Olympic Games, Russia’s largest hotel exudes the aura of the bygone Soviet era that is far removed from the more opulent aspects of modern Russian life.
It is here – and at many of the Russian capital’s down-at-heel hotels – that most the Chinese tourists visiting Moscow are accommodated as part of their all-inclusive package tours.
Tour operators hoist their banners in the air as the carousel of checking in and out begins to turn.
Some mill around wearing the Fan ID cards issued to those who have travelled from abroad to Russia for the World Cup; many others do not. The tourist route from China to Russia is well-worn with or without a global sporting event.

Official statistics from the Russian authorities before kick-off claimed around 100,000 people would make the trip from China during the month-long finals and, with Chinese fans conspicuous at every turn, those statistics appeared to be backed up on the ground.
While their own national team have not qualified – yet again – Chinese fans have taken to presenting themselves to the world in any number of ways.

Many have turned out to support favoured teams and players – Argentina, Germany and Spain are among the most common – while others have come to witness the event and fly the red flag high.
“I’m here to support Argentina because I’ve followed them for 25 years,” says Suzhou native Hu Ying who, along with her friend Wang Ting, is part of a group of more than 20 fans travelling together from the Shanghai area to support Lionel Messi and company.

“I’m a fan of Gabriel Batistuta and I’ve followed Argentina ever since he played.
“We’re only here for four days, we just came for one game. I have loved Argentina for so long. Of course, I dream that China can qualify some day and I must support my national team, but until then I’ll support Argentina.”
The tale of Hu Ying, who sports a Chinese flag painted on one cheek and an Argentinian one on the other, is common in Russia and very different to previous World Cups.

courtasy :scmp.com
photo :South China Morning Pos

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