2018 FIFA World Cup: Chinese fans gather to watch final in Beijing

World
Europe

02:02

The World Cup Final was watched by billions of fans around the globe, with China being no exception. While the national team missed the tournament for the fourth time in a row, the action from Russia drew huge ratings in this country, and many supporters at gathering spots around Beijing are confident they will again see the PRC on football's biggest stage in the near future. Damion Jones has the story.

With France battling Croatia for the top honor in global football, the Sanlitun neighborhood of Beijing would turn into a Chinese version of World Cup Central, with domestic and international fans glued to television screens for the final match of the quadrennial showpiece.

"We are watching the game together with high spirits and a relaxed mood. I really enjoy this kind of relaxing environment, and drinking at the same time, it feels good."

China's fifth-place finish in Group A of Asian Qualifying last September, left supporters in the country with a lot of time to keep their eyes on other teams.

"I pick France. Croatia has been a dark horse, and will not threaten the French."

China has lavished a tremendous amount of money on the sports industry in recent years, and even though that spending spree has not suddenly turned the country into a football powerhouse, backers in the capital have no doubt that the national team will eventually follow up on their 2002 appearance at the sport's biggest event.

"I think I will see them one day. After 10, 20, or 30 years, China will appear at the World Cup."

"Once the World Cup expands to more teams, China will be able to reach the finals, but it's really difficult for now. The Asian teams were quite strong at this World Cup and did not let us down."

So as the curtain comes down on the 2018 FIFA World Cup, fans in China and elsewhere can dream anew, of seeing their squad in future editions of the event. DJ, CGTN.