The World Cup kicked off with a bang in Russia with the hosts clinching a 5-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia, however, in Goa it began a little later.
Despite giant screenings in every nook and corner in the State from Day One, the venues were most sorted on Friday evening for the fourth match of the tournament as the older generations took on their red colours and green scarves and headed to the possible fan base across the streets.
Portugal was the team in action against Spain. Goans never shy away to depict their Portuguese connect when it comes to “The Beautiful Game” and the same was seen during the Euro 2016 when Goans celebrated the Portugal victory.
The Portuguese connect and Brazilian affair
The European champs have a strong following in Goa considering the fact they once ruled the colony for over 450 years. And Saturday, it was all about Ronaldo and Portugal at every tinto. Senior Goans just couldn’t stop rewinding to Ronaldo’s treble and Portugal’s last ditch effort to bag a point to their kitty against Spain.
“Yeah! We are for Portugal and this isn’t just for this World Cup, but we support them in every major competition,” said Piedade Baptista, a business man from Majorda. Portugal haven’t had the best of sides in major tournaments for a long time but yet, these Goans haven’t shifted colours.
However, the similar support could be also witnessed for Brazil within the same generation.
“I want Brazil to win this edition. Ronaldo did it last in the 2002 edition and I believe the present squad has a great potential to go all the way up there,” said another senior citizen Mariano Fernandes from Vasco.
Support for other teams
It’s not just about the two Portuguese speaking countries in Goa. The State, which once dominated by the Brazil and Portugal colours have been diversified with other colours too. The globalisation and ever engaging of foreign football leagues —English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga —managed to draw considerable support for other countries in the State. The individual brilliance by certain players in these leagues is a major factor how some countries gained fan following.
“I support France. I am definitely a big fan of Zidane. That era itself had so many great players including Zidane, Henry, Viera, Trezeguet,” said Siddesh Kesarkar, college director of Physical Education.
While Ronaldo, Zidane, Beckham did it for Brazil, France and England then, Mbappe, Griezmann, Modric, Hazard, Muller, Kroos, Messi, Rashford —are all doing the same now.
“Have been a fan of the Belgian team since the last World Cup where they came in as dark horses. Since then they have picked up the pace and confidence to enter this year’s World Cup as one of the strong contenders,” added Jonathan, who is also a footballer and a PE teacher.
Favourite player in team
The presence of their favourite club heroes for certain countries compelled fans to back their respective team.
“Belgium squad comprises of many world class players such as De Bruyne, Hazard, Courtois who have been exceptionally at the club level,” explained Jonathan who supports Belgium.
“France have always had a wonderful blend of players. This French World Cup squad is a combination of players who have been performing exceptionally well in the domestic leagues. This is perhaps the opportunity for Pogba, Greizmann, Mbappe to prove their worth at the highest level, which I believe they can,” added Siddesh.
The support for Germany, England and Argentina too is quite high in the State.
“I started watching football during the 2006 World Cup and immediately fell in love with Micheal Ballack, so the connection with Germany is obvious,” said Keith D’Souza.
“Just like the heartache has been till the last edition in Brazil. What Germany brings more than any other team is the ability to drill victories, perform in cohesiveness and now the, know how, how to get past the line when it counts,” explained Keith.
“I’ve been supporting England since the 2002 World Cup. Although, I knew of many other great players such as Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos and Batistuta, it was David Beckham that made me fall in love with football so naturally, I started backing England in all international competitions,” said Karen Saunders.
“Since then, many great players have donned the Three Lions badge but unfortunately, they haven’t had much success in winning trophies. The World Cup squad this time around is rather young and inexperienced but I’m still hopeful! Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Germany never really appealed to me,” Karen added further.
