Salcete geared up for fiesta
BY CHARLES D’SOUSA
MARGAO,JUNE 10
Soccer runs in the blood of Goans. Little wonder that almost everyone, and Salcete could be no exception, is all set for the start of the biggest football tournament on earth, the World Cup, which gets under way on Friday in Johannesburg.
“It is the 19th staging of the showpiece event and will be the first time it has taken place in the continent of Africa. So we are all geared up for the biggest show,” that’s how Salcete fans and others summed up from South Goa.
Several hotels, bars and restaurants have installed giant screens with most fans backing Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Spain, England.
Big cut-outs of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kaka and Fernando Torees are adorning the halls where the screening will take place for one-month.
Neeraj Aguair of NUSI Academy, Chinchinim said: “I want Brazil to win .They are the best team.They have gifted players in their rank and I like their artistry.”
Mario Soares of Churchill Brothers believes that Spain are the best. “I am excited with their form. I hope Spain emerge champs. They are a compact lot,” Mario remarked.
The fair sex is equally excited. Ovida Fernandes, a die-hard of Brazil admires Kaka and is sure that Brasil have the champion material. Angela D’Silva also agrees and exclaims Brazil will definitely will take home the title.
Pritam Fernandes is an Argentine fan who feels that under the legendary Maradona and with Messi in top shape, the South Americans will emerge triumphant.
Oscar Martins from Cuncolim is rooting for Brasil because they play vintage football.
Sudin Naik, a taxi driver, says Brasil is a blend of youth and experience who believe in the beautiful game. “They are going to mesmerise everyone with their brand of football,” he pointed out.
Anthony Rodrigues also has laid his bet on Brasil. “Their players are gifted ones.”
Businessman Cedric Menino Fernandes of Betul, predicted that South Africa will be the surprise team of the world’s greatest show after the Olympics. “Watch them at the inaugural and you will know that they will be a force to reckon with,” Cedric remarked and added that Africa will have something different to show this time.
