FIFA World Cup 2018 fever grips India

World cup football trophy and pitch with player's replica made of Kheer (sweets , milk product) at a South Kolkata sweet Shop. The World Cup is scheduled to begin from June 14 when hosts Russia would take on Saudi Arabia in the tournament opener at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The Luzhniki is also the venue for the final that will be held on July 15. The match between Russia and Saudi Arabia will be preceded by an opening ceremony that will feature Hollywood star Will Smith and Nicky Jam who feature in the tournament anthem for the year. They will be accompanied by British pop star Robbie Williams, Russian soprano Aida Garifullina and Brazilian great Ronaldo. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

City of joy gets ready for the beautiful game. Days before the World Cup Football Final kicks of in Russia, graffiti representing the greatest sporting event adorn wall in several areas of Kolkata. Artist are busy to finish the graffiti (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Football fans decorates streets in the sourthern part of the city with hoarding of famous football stars along with participating countries national flag also graffiti representing the greatest sporting event adorn wall in several areas of Kolkata Express photo by Partha Paul)

Germany are the defending champions. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

An artist gives his last minute touches to finish the clay model of football players at his work place in Kolkata. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

An artist gives his last minute touches to finish the clay model of World cup trophy at his work place in Kolkata (Express photo by Partha Paul)

India prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2018. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

A graffiti showing Lionel Messi in action. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)