Better luck next time
Babluis Pereira
Football witnessed 16 European teams to compete in Euro 2012, the second greatest soccer show on earth after the World Cup. Many ardent football fans picked their favourite teams to win the Cup, but most of them were depressed when their favourite team lost.
For tiny Goa, the former Portuguese colony, the football craze is in the blood of Goans. Euphoria was its highest with football fever gripping the State. Even girls and women wearing Jersey No. 7 were cheering for Portugal and a giant screen was put up. Merry making and celebrations were in full swing on the streets of football crazy villagers after Portugal’s victory over Czech Republic. Unexpectedly, the dream and hopes of Goan football fans rooting for Portugal were shattered and Goans felt the loss deeply when Portugal lost to Spain in a penalty shootout. It is after all a game, one side has to win, but the Portuguese captain made a small lapse. When the Portugal goalkeeper saved the first penalty shot, it was the duty of the sharp shooter captain to take the first penalty and if it was 1-0, his fellow players would have been thus injected with spirit and courage to shoot the remaining penalties. Instead, the captain waited to shoot the fifth one. It is true that Portugal always reaches the winning target, but has no luck. Congratulations to Portuguese coach Paulo Bento for leading Portugal to semis. Also, Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, the most creative player was in his best form. The entire team needs to be applauded for their grand display of a high standard and superb style of the game. They played their heart out football. Unfortunately, luck and success evaded the team and the heart of millions of fans worldwide cried in disappointment.
Portugal is a small football crazy nation. They should be proud of the great achievement of their country’s team. The nation and Portugal’s fans who celebrated their team win in other matches should now too celebrate in the same way, with the belief  at Euro 2016 in France, Portugal could be lucky and regain her lost glory – and emerge as football’s superpower in the European championship. Better luck next time in France.