Die-hard Malaysian football fans are making preparations to watch the matches of the Fifa World Cup in Brazil, which will be held in the early morning hours local time.

Julian Tee, an England supporter, said he will be stocking up on energy drinks so he would have the stamina to watch the game.

“Since the matches will be played in the wee hours of the morning, I will need all the energy to watch my favourite team in action,” he told the New Straits Times newspaper today.

Wong, a public relations executive, said he would he would only take a day off from work for the final match.

“I can stream the morning matches from my office, so I won’t need to take any (other) days off,” he said.

But other people prefer to watch the games in public places with like company.

Abdul Gani, a merchandiser in a local supermarket, said he and his friends have saved enough money to enjoy the games in the local food court.

“I like the feel of having to cheer along with the crowd,” said the England fan. “You can feel the energy of the people.”

Restaurant owners are also gearing up for big crowds when the games start later in the week, despite the early hours.

Shahin Shan, 26, owner of Abadi Cafeteria in the middle-class suburb of Petaling Jaya, said he would provide two large-screen projectors so customers can comfortably watch the matches.

Shahin said the restaurant is also the base for fans of English football clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea, and Spanish giant, Barcelona.

Malaysian authorities are also trying to curb illegal gambling activities for the duration of the World Cup.

- dpa