If you’re not usually the world’s biggest fan of football, soccer, or whatever you choose to call it, but this summer’s fiesta of footballing fun has grabbed your attention, now is the perfect time to learn all about it, before the big finale.

We’re still to find out who is going to contest the biggest match in football history, but until that time, you can learn a few nuggets of information to impress those around you. Did you know, the original trophy is actually called the ‘Jules Rimet?’ That trophy was actually stolen in the early ’80s and never came back to light, so it was replaced by the regular trophy we see now.

Bring that fact up down the local bar and impress everyone!

Whilst teams are falling here at the final fence, with some big hitters already far gone (goodbye Germany and Argentina), there are some great matches to look forward to. Now, it might very well be that you don’t really enjoy the actual game, but you just love the atmosphere which surrounds it – nothing wrong with that!

So, what do you need to create the perfect World Cup Final party?

Firstly, you need to know when it is, so on Sunday 15 July, you need to have everything ready for kick off. Weather looking good? How about a barbecue? Bring the TV outside, turn up the speakers (warn the neighbours, of course), and keep the beers (or wine) cold! Perhaps deck out the back garden with the colours of the team contesting the final, and three days before the big day, we should know who to cheer for.

A few things to add to your shopping list:

• Bunting, flags, anything which decorates the space in the colours of the team you want to win. If you’re neutral, go for both!
• Drinks. Alcoholic for the adults and soft drinks for the kids – make sure you have a plentiful supply of both!
• Food – A barbecue is a great idea, so we’re talking meats, marinades, salads, chips, dips, you name it! Go for something a little fancier than the usual burgers and ribs, by checking out some ‘posh BBQ grub’ online! You can go all out with fancy salads and couscous if you really want to, to give your guests a meal to remember, and not just the regular fare they might be used to.
• Something to serve it all on – Now, if you have a group of rowdy football fans in your garden, regular plates aren’t going to be the best idea; do you really want to be picking up broken plates later that evening? So, paper plates are the best option, but you can fancy it up by choosing serviettes in the colours of the teams playing.
• Half time snacks – When are you serving your food, before or after? During is not the greatest idea! If you’re going for a before meal time, then you’ll be needing a few snacks at halftime. Think about fruit, nuts, basically small snacks to grab in handfuls. If you’re serving after the match (not the best idea, to be honest), then don’t fill everyone up during game time, so they don’t eat the main meal!

This is a party you’re going to want to remember, so document it on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and tag everyone in, to look back on the fun the following day. That way, whether your favourite team wins or loses, you’ll have great World Cup memories to remember!