Russia fans screamed in jubilation as they came together in London to see their team seal a second World Cup victory.
Dozens gathered in the darkened basement of Soho restaurant and bar Zima to watch on a big screen as the host nation secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Egypt. The match was goal-less in the first half, before Russia eased fans’ tensions with three after the break. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah then converted a penalty.
In between pints of Pilsner Urquell and bowls of beetroot soup, the fans watched the game and clapped loudly as goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev made several crucial saves. When Russia scored after the break, they leapt up from their seats and cheered “Rossiya! Rossiya! Rossiya!”.
Two Egyptian fans also arrived to watch the second half of the Group A fixture and received a warm welcome from the rival supporters.