PANJIM: Over 30 soccer fans from Goa are expected to fly to Russia and cheer their team at the Football World Cup and watch their favourite players live on the field.

Goa Football Association has confirmed that around 16 to 18 locals who have bought WC tickets from the Association and are sure to fly. However, the list doesn’t end there, as there are others who have purchased tickets online or by other means.

Savio Messais, former general secretary of Goa Football Association, along with four of his friends will fly to Russia to watch four World Cup matches.

“We are a group of five and will watch four World Cup matches live. Brazil has been my favourite team and I continue to support them. Their chances of winning are pretty good but being a very competitive competition one can never say,” Messias said.

Goans have been staunch supporters of either Brazil or Portugal during the World Cup for the past couple of decades, before Messi, Hazard, Beckham, Zidane earned Goan followers for their nations too.

Another football fan Vincent Pereira, who along with three others will also fly to Russia, said that he is excited as the World Cup is getting closer and closer.

“I have witnessed football matches live in Brazil in 2014 and it is a totally different experience. It’s all about the atmosphere. At home you just sit in front of the TV set and watch the game, while at the stadium you shout and sing with other supporters. This year we are four of us and we will definitely enjoy every game,” Pereira said.

“We purchased tickets online. We will be there for two weeks and will watch five matches. I support Portugal but unfortunately we do not have a ticket for their match,” he added.

Despite India ranking at 97, Pereira was of the opinion that the country will definitely make it to the World Cup in the near future.

“India is climbing the ladder and the future is looking bright. Our position has been going up and we have come from three digits to two. May be in the two World Cups down the line we will be able to make it. After all it depends on how much enthusiasm people have for the game,” he said.

Goans across the world are also making a trip to Russia. Soccer fan Alaric Gomes, who works in Dubai, is also counting the days to the opening. “Brazil of course,” he said, when asked who will win the final. “After that 7-1 thrashing in front of their fans four years back Brazil has evolved into a team that can play with and without Neymar. Coach Tite is the one ushering in the change in thinking as he’s used the core of the same squad that played in Rio 2014 and shown them the new way to function. This week’s 2-0 win in their friendly against Croatia is proof that the five-time champion knows how to implement the coach’s diktat,” he quipped.

“Besides me there are many Goans in Dubai who will fly to Russia. Football is always in the blood of Goans and it will remain forever,” he added.

The World Cup 2018 will take place in Russia from June 14 with 32 nations in the fray to take home the cup. A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located across 11 cities. The final will take place on July 15 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.