By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) While Bollywood actors like Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Shah Rukh Khan and Imran Khan have already reached Johannesburg to watch the World Cup final between Netherlands and Spain, some football lovers from the industry had to give the match a miss.

Anil Kapoor had almost cancelled his plans.

Sighed Anil, “Some work had come up. It looked like I wouldn’t be able to go to Johannesburg, though I had packed and booked seats at the stadium. But, I finally did make it. I am the brand ambassador and this is the biggest sports event,” said Anil as he left for South Africa.

Another football enthusiast, Dino Morea, too seemed unsure of making it to Johannesburg. “I’m in London, all set to go. But my air ticket is not confirmed, if it doesn’t happen, then I’ll just have to watch it on television,” he said.

The model turned actor is a huge football fan. “I play football and I love watching the sport. I was supporting Italy as I am half-Italian. Now, I’m supporting Spain because they have never won the Cup,” he added.

The football fever has never been more pronounced in Bollywood.

Sanjay Dutt left his pregnant wife in Mumbai for the finals. He will be in South Africa with his two non-filmy best-friends.

“I wouldn’t miss the World Cup for the world. I’m the hugest football fan. I place it above cricket in my scheme of joy. I watched the silliest of games in the Cup. For the finals, I had to be here (in Johannesburg),” said the actor.

Dutt is rooting for Spain all the way. So is Jackky Bhagnani, producer Vashu Bhagnani’s son has apparently secured some of the best seats in the stadium for himself and his five friends from Mumbai.

Speaking from Johannesburg, Jackky exulted, “Man, I’ve the best view possible! I could never afford these seats, they are among the best in the stadium. An industrialist friend from Russia got me these seats. I can’t begin to express my excitement, I feel like an eight-year-old who has got his favourite toy. Me and my friends have our t-shirts, caps and flags ready. We’re rooting for Spain.”

Adding to Jackky’s excitement is the fact that this is the first FIFA World Cup match he’s attending.

Shah Rukh Khan and Imran Khan have already tweeted about their presence in Johannesburg for the finals. However, Shah Rukh’s best friend, director Karan Johar will not be able to attend the match.

Other football lovers from Bollywood who had to miss the event are actors Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, who are shooting in Colombo and Delhi, respectively.