Though separated by continents, one family bridges the gap to watch the World Cup together
Two members of the family live the experience in Brazil, while the family stays in sync from Goa
While the FIFA World Cup is pitching teams and nations against one another in a bid for the prestigious Cup, its effect on families and friends around the world, and
particularly Goa, is just the opposite. With a common passion for the sport, the unifying effect of the game
is undeniable.
“Football is a great unifying factor for the Tavora family,” affirms advocate Francisco Tavora who has been sharing the hits and misses of the game with his siblings Margarida Costa, Carlos, Luis and their families, while his sons Nikhil and Sahil keep them posted from Brazil. “We prefer to watch the matches
together. It’s so much more fun as we keep up the lively banter, with each one cheering for their favourite group. My sons, who are both footballers, have their own favourite teams. One supports Spain the other Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, so the constant
competition is lively and
enthusiastic,” he adds.
Margarida’s fortnightly visit to her family in Panjim, from Raia where she tends her restaurant ‘Nostalgia’, turns into a daily affair during the World Cup games, especially when her favourite team Portugal takes to the field. “One thing for sure is our
unreserved passion for the game, which our father Lube Tavora inculcated in us,” reveals Margarida. Draping flags of Portugal and Brazil over the balcony at the Tavora residence in Miramar, her enthusiasm for the sport and her favourite teams is indubitable. “It is great fun watching the games together and I do wish it would happen every year, instead of once in four years,”
reiterates Francisco. However, as avid football fans, various worldwide
championships keep this ‘football
family’ together through the year, even when they are off on different
assignments or out of the country; but rest assured the Tavoras are watching the same game while keeping each other updated.
In Margarida’s experience over the years, Goa’s obsession with their favourite sport, football, has invariably been a unifying factor, especially during the World Cup. “All over Goa, it’s not only family, but also friends who get
together to enjoy the game,”
she observes.
“The enthusiasm is infectious and all differences are put aside during the World Cup which is our family’s favourite sport,” enthuses Tejas Naik, Candolim. “We all congregate at our maternal home during these days to watch the game. Of course, our favourite is Portugal, but then some of us like Germany; others favour Brazil, so the competition is lively, Also it’s a great time to bond and share meals which our wives and mothers so
sportingly prepare for us,” he states.
For many young football fans like Rashmi, Shruti, Francis and Rene, the game offers a great opportunity to hang out, despite hectic schedules. “It just doubles the fun quotient,” they agree.
Indeed, much like any festive season in Goa, football, particularly during the World Cup, is proving to be a great unifying force.
