Wearing bast shoes, fans test their skills at Mordovian soccer

Sergei Glukhov plays with a traditional Mordovian soccer ball (lapotball) at a Mordovian culture exhibition at a square in downtown of Saransk, Russia June 17, 2018. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

SARANSK, Russia (Reuters) - Without a moment of hesitation, Colombia fan Hector Varela changed his branded sports shoes for village-style handmade boots to try his luck and skills at Mordovian soccer.

Varela was one of many fans to have made the journey to Mordovian capital of Saransk, where Colombia take on Japan in a World Cup Group H match on Tuesday.