SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Allan D’cruz
PANJIM: Beating the COVID 19 cloud and after a year delay, the Euro may have kicked off on June 13 in Europe. But in Goa, for majority it actually begins tonight as a much fancied Portugal commence their title defence when take on Hungary in their first group fixture.
None can deny the love Goans have for the Portuguese football team and the fans are never shy in showcasing their admiration towards them during the football festivals.
Walk in any Goan home, pub, restaurant or hangout place, you will always find a corner for the Portuguese coloured merchandise during these football events.
The fans are as vociferous backing the team on the screens as they could have been doing it at the Stadiums. The chemistry of football between Goa and Portugal is unique.
— The connect —
“It's sentimental for most of the elders. It's a very strong connection which sees a vast multitude of Goans supporting Portugal in major football championships,” expressed a staunch Portugal supporter Jovito Lopes.
“It is now part of a great sporting tradition. The connection only gets further cemented at such a time. After all, ‘recordar é viver’(remember is to live)," stated Lopes.
In late 90s and early 2000, Portugal wooed the fans with free flow football and in Goa the following just grew bigger.
Well, that was very much expected with the calibre of Luis Figo, Deco, Rui Costa making them a thrill to watch and then a flamboyant Cristiano Ronaldo joining the force in 2004 guiding them to the final. They had their best run in 2004 Euro and 2006 World Cup. Ask any fans and they will agree. That was probably the ‘golden generation’ though they never lifted any trophy.
Then came the era where the team didn’t boast of any big names besides Ronaldo and the team was heavily depended on one man. However, in 2016, defying all odds and not playing best football the Portugal team still managed to lift the first silverware in their history. Soon followed their second in 2019 when they won the inaugural Nations League.
But for this Euro edition, the Portuguese probably got the best talent in their squad who are no longer dependant on an individual. Though, time will tell.
“The present team is as talented as any previous one even when one reminisces Eusebio and Luis Figo. They have one of the most exciting squads, and a far better set than the last time. Having won their first major trophy at Euro 2016, and with Cristiano Ronaldo perhaps singing the swan song, Goans, I am confident, will be rooting for Portugal,” added Lopes.
Considering Goa used to be a Portuguese colony, few anti Portuguese might call it a ‘Stockholm syndrome’ for the fans behaviour. But for Goa, it’s more of an emotion and a sentiment. What other option do they have?
Another Portuguese fan, Dr Jose Fernando Maximo de Menezes expressed it more about the special sentiment he has with the team, “I have special attachment to Portugal as Goa is known all over the world as a State once associated with the Portuguese and Goa has inherited the Portuguese culture and also the game of football.”
Dr Menezes, an ardent fan of Benfica and Portugal also roots on the Selecao to win the championship considering the amount of talent and depth they have in the squad.
“It’s not just me, but my entirely family supports Portugal and in this current situation, our family will sit at home, enjoying every moment and cheer our favourite team. Viva Portugal,” concluded the 81-year-old from Goa Velha.
It’s not just the first or second generations, but also the third generation who are in love with the Portugal team. Though there could be some influence from the baby boomers but you simply cannot rule out Ronaldo’s impact on the millennials and generation Z.
“I have been a Portugal fan right from Figo’s time and supported them during every major tournament, that’s the team my entire family supports. After Figo, it was more about Cristiano I stuck to supporting Portugal and now I am attached to the team,” stated India midfielder and Mumbai City FC star Mandar Rao Dessai who has been also drawn to the team cause of CR7.
— Home, video conference calls —
Although Euro has been the first major competition to have the fans back at the stadium, the case isn’t the same in Goa. With the current curfew imposed by the State government, it restricted any screenings or gatherings at restaurants or place. But can you stop football enthusiasts from creating a football atmosphere?
"We have a tradition wherein our entire family sits together and watches the game at our home when Portugal plays,” expressed Mandar.
Rafael Silvestre Roque Da Cunha, who has been supporting the team for almost three decades has decorated his home with Portugal merchandise and flags creating the perfect atmosphere for a perfect fan.
“The situation doesn’t permit us to go out in public but I have done the best to get the Portugal vibes at my home. I have kept everything ready as couple of my friends will come to watch the game together,” added Da Cunha, who had watched Portugal play their group match at Euro 2004 in Portugal.
Fans have found new ways in getting together by making best of the modern technology.
“The situation isn’t the same here. Earlier, you would find us fans at some screening all dressed up in Portugal colours, shouting our lungs out, but due to restrictions we as Portugal fans have decided to watch the games over a zoom call. The team has really grown and have become favourites, Forca Portugal,” stated a young Kai Da Costa.
It is a far cry from the Euro 2020 title considering the group the Selecao have been potted. But it will be a fun watch for the Portuguese fans in Goa for next couple of weeks who are not willing to bend despite the pandemic in the State. Goa roots for Portugal.
