The FIFA World Cup 2014 has been a
tournament of surprises. Certain teams that no one thought had a chance shocked
everyone with their results. Others, that enjoyed a larger fan base, simply did
not meet the expectations. Before the World Cup could begin, Goan football fans
were clear about the team that they were supporting so passionately. But as the
tournament progressed and more drama unfolded, many a Goan heart broke as its
favourite teams made an unexpected exit. But if you thought that that would be
enough to deter a true fan following, think again.
Roel Fernandes, a die-hard Brazil supporter
has never shied away from expressing his love for the team – be it by wearing
the jersey on match days or by changing his Whatsapp profile picture to the
flag of Brazil. However, as the team’s world-champion image was shattered in
the semi-finals when they suffered a shocking 7-1 defeat against Germany, Amey
started rooting for the victors instead, and prayed for their victory over
rivals Argentina in the finals. “They are our arch rivals. Germany won because
they were the better team, but I don’t think I would be able to stomach
Argentina becoming world champions,” he says.
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On the flip side, Wellington Crasto from
Corlim was confident about Netherlands’ performance in the World Cup. But as
the Oranje crashed out, Wellington extended his support to his second favourite
team, Argentina, so as to not see rivals Germany take their share of the
spoils. He says, “I really wanted Netherlands to win, but I always liked
Argentina too. I just want Germany to lose now.”
The migration of fans to supporting the
rival team of their rivals just proves their loyalty towards their actual
favourite team. Instead of getting bogged down by their favourite team’s
disappointing performance, Goan fans have chosen to shrug it off and moved on
by latching on to other teams that have the ability to thrash the team that
they do not like. For the beautiful people of Goa who support the beautiful
game in the best possible way, the action is over only when they say it’s over!
