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DEARLY BELOVED . . . Soccer fever in Russia was allconsuming, with the tournament’s most exciting moments bringing the host nation to a grinding halt.

Even life’s most important events didn’t trump the footie – weddings included. Russian couple Yekaterina and Dmitry Vasilyev paused their ceremony midway so their guests could huddle around a mobile phone to watch Russia face Spain. To be fair, it was a nailbiter, culminating in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Thankfully, the guests had something extra to celebrate after their team secured a 4-3 victory over Spain, taking them through to the quarterfinals. The overjoyed groom called it “the best gift ever”.

CONFIDENT TATTER

English supporter Jamie Richardson was so sure his team would bring home the trophy he had words to this effect permanently inked on his skin even before the final.

After England’s stunning 6-1 slaying of Panama during the group stages, he had “England 2018 World Cup Winners” etched onto his belly.

The team played beat Sweden 2-0 in the quarterfinals and faced Croatia in the semifinal.

‘England 2018 World Cup Winners’