Police thank the public for cooperating with the World Cup semi-final advisory

Police have thanked fans for their cooperation after the FIFA World Cup semi-final match played in the early hours of Thursday.

Police had issued a caution on Wednesday urging the public to avoid disturbing the peace after the match between Argentina and England, which was sharp at midnight in Maldives. In a message to the media on Thursday, police said they wished to thank the public for the cooperation shown during the celebrations that followed last night’s match.

Police said they appreciated the support given to maintain road safety and minimise disruptions to public life.

The excitement of the World Cup is in full swing in Maldives, with large crowds gathering to watch the matches on big screens in public areas in Male'. After late-night screenings, fans often celebrate in groups and take to the streets.

Maldives is a football-loving country, and many foreigners living in the country also join in the celebrations. Support for Argentina remains particularly strong.