World Cup 2018: Russian Embassy offers LIFELINE to England football fans with UNIQUE offer
THE RUSSIAN Embassy in London has offered a lifeline to England football fans desperate to catch a glimpse of the national team take on Sweden in the crunch quarter-final match in Russia on Saturday.
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The embassy announced on Wednesday they would be fast-tracking any visa applications for individuals seeking to travel to the city of Samara where the match will take place.
Writing on their Facebook page, they said: “Special Offer for England Fans! Don't miss.
“You cam live your dream of watching England v Sweden in Samara this weekend!
“The Russian Embassy in the UK is making an exception and issuing visas in just one working day!
The Russian Embassy in the UK is making an exception and issuing visas in just one working day
“You need to apply today or tomorrow latest to make this happen so get in touch with us now.”
The special offer applies to any football fans who do not currently have a ticket to the match, as ticket holders are automatically conferred the right to a Fan ID.
A Fan ID allows football spectators to travel to Russia for a restricted period of time up until July 25.
The Russian Embassy also sent their congratulations to the England football team following their victory over Colombia, and hailed the prospect of a Russia vs England semi-final.
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Writing on Twitter, they said: “Congratulations to England. This has been super dramatic.
“A step closer to the Russia vs England semi-final.”
They also held a poll to find out which team the public thinks would win the potential semi-final clash.
The results showed that 57 percent of readers believe the UK would beat Russia.
Following England’s dramatic victory over Colombia during which they won their first penalty shoot-out, they will now be hoping to continue their fine form when they take on Sweden on Saturday (3pm).
England boss Gareth Southgate, whose decision to rest his star players in the final group stage clash with Belgium was vindicated, hailed his side and stated they are creating their own history.
He said: “They have created their own story and made history. I don't want to go home yet.
“Sweden is another team we have a poor record against. We have underestimated them for years.”