PANJIM/MARGAO/MAPUSA, JULY 10
Many soccer crazy Goan fans, certainly not wanting to miss the much-awaited World Cup final between favourites Spain and spirited Netherlands on Sunday, were preparing to watch the lively experience on the big screen.
Big screens have come up at several places all over the State including villages.
The World Cup football has stirred the hearts of the Goan fans more than ever if viewership numbers are anything to go by.
The football fever will certainly reach its climax on Sunday. There is a general mood of festivity throughout as most want to enjoy the grand fare that is expected to be dished out by two best teams in the world.
Fans were planning to watch matches in a number of clubs, restaurants, pubs and bars, besides one’s own home with the entire family.
“It is an awesome feeling to be able to enjoy the game on a huge screen, with a drink and snacks in hand amidst many other football lovers some of whom come with vuvuzelas,” remarked Mac Vaz. Similar sentiments were echoed by Gambeta Gonsalves, Zito Gouveia Pinto, Domnic Fernandes, Gavin Araujo, Sagar Naik, Prashant Desai, Kishor Narvekar, Navin Acharya, Niraj Prabhu, Savio Pinto, Diniz Sardinha, Tony Dias, Lector Mascarenhas, Servulo Barros, Albino Vales, Anil Kamat, Danzie Ferrao, ex-Olympian Fortunato Franco, Ivano Almeida, Sanjiv Nagvekar, Victor Vaz, Luis Fernandes, Dinesh Sakhalkar, Menino Claudio Fernandes and scores of others.
In most of the cities and along the coastal belt, many restaurants and pubs have arranged for some special packages for the final. Some are offering special cuisine named after the players.
Favourite dishes of star footballers have been made available in some restaurants as well. There are contests and lucky draws along with undiluted pleasure of watching the final.
The greatest show on earth reaches its climax and Armando Colaco of Dempo tipped Spain for the crown. “The Barcelona boys will do it, their game is far superior to the Netherlands and they also defeated a great German team in the semis, if they don’t win it this time they never will.”
Welwin Menezes of Goa Velha was for Netherlands. “They play great football and I think their creative winger Arjen Robben will give them the edge.”
Richard Hood of Vasco Sports Club was also for Netherlands. “While Spain play a good possession game, the Netherlands attacks are more planned with efficiency and their build up play looks smoother.”
Anthony D’Souza of Sesa Football Academy was for Spain. “Tactically they are better with ball possession and they also take advantage of their set pieces which is very important at the top level.”
Victor Fernandes of Sporting Clube de Goa pointed to Netherlands. “I have been supporting the Netherlands from the start, because each player plays his role well without showing off. I think Robin Van Persie can be the difference if he plays to his potential and comes out firing.”
Mariano Dias of Salgaocar favoured Spain. “Spain has a team which looks compact right from the back with Casilias in goal, Puyol in the defence, Xavi in midfield and David Villa banging in the goals.”
Francis Faria of Faria Strikers also poited to Spain. “Spain do not have super natural players but they have their head on their shoulders and their passing is accurate, just look at how they played against the Germans.”
Jeromias Baretto of Chinchinim feels Spain will win. “They are the best team in the world.”
Anthony Rodrigues of Benaulim is a staunch supporter of Netherlands. “They have a cent per cent record, unlike Spain who lost to Switzerland.”
Johnson Fernandes of Margao favours Spain because they play total football.
Angele D’Silva, a student from Assolna backed Spain Pritam Fernandes was for Netherlands.
Oscar Martins of Cuncolim pinned hopes on David Villa to give Spain the Cup. The same was Anthony Pango’s prediction.
Ovida D’Souza, Alisha Naik, Venessa Fernandes, Catherine Fernandes have all batted for Spain.
So there you have it! Undoubtedly, it is expected to be a close, great, scintillating affair. It should be Spain, going by predictions. It is a clash of the titans and one should not miss the action for the world.
