Tips to survive the World Cup this summer

The World Cup is almost upon us and football fans are set for a month of the world’s best playing against each other in the name of their country. It is also a chance for new and upcoming stars in their country’s colours to show their talents during the club transfer window. It is sort of like an audition process for footballers to try and entice deals out of their clubs. But the people who are probably looking forward to this summer the most are the fans.

For fans who are supporting their own country, they have all the reason to stay up for the World Cup. But for fans that don’t have their country playing in the World Cup, here are some tips that can help you stay awake!

1. Have the World Cup scheduleYes, you will be exciting to watch all the games, even Honduras vs Ecuador, but there is only so many hours that we can stay awake. So tick the games that you ABSOLUTELY have to watch and check out the highlights of all the other games on the Internet and other sources. ‘Cuz let’s face it, if we could take a month off and watch ALL the games, we would do it in Brazil!

2. Forget about meeting other peopleEspecially for us Indian fans, the timings of the matches are such that it wipes out any chance of hanging out with our friends and family for this one month. So prepare your loved ones to see a rather disheveled version of you emerging into the outside on July 13th.

3. SustenanceMake sure your fridge is stocked with lots of food and drink to keep you satisfied through the night because seeing all those players run around will DEFINITELY make you hungry and thirsty. Plus unless there’s a 24 hr market near your house, nothing will be open at 4 in the morning.

4. Plans to watch with other peopleThis writer has made plans to watch with a friend the Spain vs Netherlands match. Take care that the friends you do invite possess the following qualities

• They know that the World Cup is going on
• They know at least five players in each team that is playing that day
• They understand that you will not be very chatty during the game (and if you are to exclaim and discuss a particular incident)
• They understand your superstitions and quirks
• They will not sleep before the game is done

If the people you are inviting do not have any of these qualities, it’s advised to watch the matches alone.

5. Adequate sleepIf you are working or studying, make sure you come back home as soon as work/school/college gets over to get a couple of hours sleep because knowing football fans, ‘sleep is for the weak’ will be the motto from June 12th to July 12th.

6. Have fun The world’s biggest sporting event is upon us in less than a day and therefore this month is solely reserved for watching, talking, eating, sleeping, breathing football. Nothing less is expected from you!

And May The Best Team Win!