TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MARGAO: Figo was definitely the man of the moment at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, but there not a sea of fans to watch the much revered star in action contrary to the expectations of the YCL organisers who had set a target of  25,000.

With tickets on the higher side (Rs 300 to Rs 5000), the East and South stands wore a deserted look, with the sight of the West stand being the only saving grace.

The event was high on entertainment with football restricted to just 40 minutes even as the overcast sky, the continuous light drizzle and cold weather conditions made for a perfect football environment. It was only Figo who left his mark with his clinical passes.

There were major traffic bottlenecks at Nuvem.

Even though the event promised to be high on entertainment, the same took off only at around 7.10 p.m. with young free stylists dazzling with the ball to win a prize. Then came the dancers in their glittering red robes trying to make a mark.

Remo’s performance was kept post-match but by that time the crowd, except the youngsters, had started losing interest, wanting to make their way home.

Governor Bharat Vir Wanchoo said in his speech, “Football has a long way to go in India, and the presence of Figo  would go a long way to motivate many youngsters to take up the game.”

AIFF Secretary Kushal Das, national coach Vin Kovermans, Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado, Benjamin Silva and Mauvin Godinho, MLAs were among those present.