Chinese fans are expected to travel to the 2018 World Cup finals in record numbers with the growing interest in soccer and a cordial relationship with hosts Russia seen as key factors, despite the national side's failings on the pitch.

 

尽管中国足球队在赛场上屡屡失利，但去现场观看2018世界杯总决赛的中国球迷人数仍有望创下纪录。这主要是因为中国人对足球的兴趣与日俱增，而且中国与东道主俄罗斯关系友好。
 

 

China have only played at one World Cup, but Feng Tao, chief executive officer of marketing¹ and events firm Shankai, believes fans will flock to Russia regardless.

 

"We are confident we can bring more fans to Russia because of the relationship between Russia and China," said Feng, whose company has signed an exclusive deal with BH Hospitality to sell travel packages for the tournament to the Chinese market.

 

"The countries are very close, it's much easier to go to Russia than it was to go to Brazil, which took 24 or 25 hours, or to South Africa, which took 14 or 15 hours. To go to Russia takes only seven hours from China, so it's easier.

 

"Historically, there's a good relationship between China and Russia and now football has become part of the mentality² of the Chinese people. Businessmen, the media and fans are showing strong interest in the World Cup.

 

"Until now, the majority have only been able to follow the World Cup on television but now there's going to be the opportunity for them to travel to watch and for them to see a World Cup."

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