GUWAHATI, July 15 - The soccer fever in the city reached a feverish pitch on Sunday with people joining in hordes to enjoy the final match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The big screen viewing arranged at the Latasil playground by the administration and the Cin�polis Theatre of Guwahati Central Mall drew soccer lovers in huge numbers.
The city roads and lanes had virtually worn a deserted look since late evening, with most citizens choosing to stay glued to TV sets to watch the final match.
The multiplex which screened the final drew large crowds as did the Latasil playground, creating a unique ambience. Fans gathered at Latasil earlier in the evening to experience and savour the build-up to the ultimate showdown. Small traders too made the most out of the situation as they set up makeshift roadside eateries and stalls.
�I have been following the tournament closely for the past one month. This World Cup was both exciting and different as well, given that many fancied teams have made early exits,� Hrishikesh Chaliha, a die-hard Croatia fan, said.
As watching a game of soccer in a large company is a great experience, many football fans arranged �community viewing� at a particular place. �I invited a number of friends to enjoy the final on a large screen through a projector on my home campus,� Navaroon Talukdar, an advocate and a soccer enthusiast, said.
Many apartment dwellers too made elaborate arrangements for community viewing of the final. �We have brought a projector and all the soccer-loving residents enjoyed watching the match on the big screen,� Santanu Hazarika, who enjoyed the semifinals at Cinepolis, said.
Many restaurants and hotels of the city also arranged large LED screening of the final.
