Fans arrive in Russia ahead of World Cup kick-off

Moscow   :  Football fans from all corners of the globe began to arrive in Russia on Wednesday as World Cup fever got into full swing on the eve of the opening game, an epa-efe correspondent in the capital reported.

The biggest competition in international football kicks-off Thursday evening at Moscow's Luzhinki Stadium with an encounter between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia, reports Efe.

But there was a party atmosphere in central Moscow as afficionados from Peru, Colombia, Iran and Egypt, to name but a few, struck poses in fancy dress outside the State Historical Museum. 

Russia's World Cup venues are concentrated around the European territories, from Moscow to St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad and Sochi. 

The final is also slated to be played at the Luzhinki Stadium on July 15.