THE (VERY) BEAUTIFUL GAME!

From the pick of the pecs to the WAGs to watch, here’s why the World Cup will set pulses racing (even if you hate the football)

AFTER years of controversy, more than €1bn spent and 2.4million tickets sold – not to mention a worldwide television audience expected to top 3 billion, the world’s biggest sporting jamboree is finally upon us.

Welcome to Russia 2018, which kicks off on Thursday when hosts Russia play Saudi Arabia, to begin a month-long feast of football that will see 32 countries playing a total of 64 matches across 11 Russian cities.

But ignore the threats of boycotts, claims of corruption, hooliganism fears and President Vladimir Putin strutting around like a peacock to the wider world.

But maybe just take your eyes off the beautiful game for a minute as the matches are only the half of it.

Just as much attention will be showered on the WAGs cheering on from the sidelines.

And, of course, with football now appealing to as many women as men, there will be great interest in the guys, and who are perfect 10s rather than perfect No.10s.