Peruvians Prize - Peru Win FIFA 'Best' Fan Award

Peru's national team supporters have won the best fans award at the 2018 FIFA Football Awards. More than 40,000 fans travelled 7,000 miles to watch their nation compete at the World Cup in Russia. This was Peru's first World Cup in 36 years and their fans clearly made the most of it, even if they failed to progress beyond the group stages.

Every time I watched Peru at the World Cup, a sea of white and red was everywhere to be seen around the stadium. When they took on France in their second game, It looked like a home game for the Peruvians. Completely outnumbering the French. The way the fans and the players belted out the national anthem before each match showed that the World Cup was missing Peru over the past 36 years. Videos online show fans of Peru roaming the Russian streets with noise, passion, colour, and joy. The noise of the whistles and vuvuzales made it deafening for the locals. Even if you didn't like football, you would still open your front door and embrace the atmosphere. This shows how well deserved the award was.

Not to mention that a Peruvian fan failed to get a ticket for Russia so he decided to put on 24kg to gain a more accessible ticket in the easy access extra width seats that are much easier to get.

Before the tournament, Peru were making their preparations in Switzerland, playing friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Sweden. When the squad touched down in Zurich Airport, Thousands of La Planquirroja fans welcomed them, showing their support for the country. Those thousands of fans would then go on to cheer Peru on in those friendly matches. Completely filling the Stadium in Switzerland, like they did at the World Cup.

Watching those Peruvians having the time of their lives in Russia, makes me wish how the country went a long way in the tournament.