World Cup time in Goa has a wonderful, celebratory feel. By the time the first match kicks off, the tiny state is invariably covered in waving Portugal flags and football jerseys. Yet, in what is certainly a first in living memory, many people in Goa have put aside their longstanding affection for their former colonisers, Portugal, and are choosing to support the host nation Brazil.
“No one plays total football better than Brazil,” said Dr Wilfred Mesquita, a former office bearer of the Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society and currently vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Goa. "It’s a joy to watch."
There is, of course, a degree of cultural affiliation, as Brazil was once colonised by the Portuguese as well.
Among Goa's Brazil supporters is Dominic Soares, who will soon fly to Argentina as one of 15 players selected after a local skills competition to train with Boca Juniors, the club where the legendary Diego Maradona made his reputation.
“I’m supporting Brazil because I love the team,” said Soares. My favourite players are Neymar and Kaka [Kaka did not make Brazil’s World Cup squad]. I’m eagerly awaiting the Brazil versus Spain match, because both teams have good players”.
Brazil are hot favourites to win the trophy for a record sixth time.
As speculation mounts over the fitness of Portugal’s talismanic striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, a number of fans of the sport believe they have little chance. Said Mesquita, a former Second Division footballer himself, “This year Portugal does not have a good team. In fact, media reports suggest that their only star player Ronaldo is also not 100 per cent fit.”
Yet the age-old cultural connection means that it’s not too surprising to find true-blooded Goans who have a thing for Brazil as well as Portugal. Among them is cardiologist Dr Rufino Monteiro, who heads the Goa Football Development Corporation.
“I’ll be supporting Brazil and Portugal during the World Cup," he said. "I especially love to watch Neymar, Oscar and Ronaldo in action.”
Goa’s passion for football can be gauged by the recurring images of young kids wearing Barcelona, Arsenal or Chelsea team jerseys to work, the beach, on dates – pretty much everywhere other than perhaps Sunday mass or a funeral.
Goa’s fisheries minister, Avertano Furtado, played football at a high level, goalkeeping for the Indian club Churchill Brothers.
Furtado is flying to Brazil to support the team he loves most. “I’m planning to leave for Brazil to catch the quarters, semis and finals. I support Brazil,” he said with pride.
While Furtado is one of the lucky few to fly to Brazil, pubs and bars in Goa are gearing up for the great influx of football fans during the games. There are happy hour discounts and unlimited beverages packages on offer, though some complain about the late-night timings of the matches.
“No one plays total football better than Brazil,” said Dr Wilfred Mesquita, a former office bearer of the Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society and currently vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Goa. "It’s a joy to watch."
There is, of course, a degree of cultural affiliation, as Brazil was once colonised by the Portuguese as well.
Among Goa's Brazil supporters is Dominic Soares, who will soon fly to Argentina as one of 15 players selected after a local skills competition to train with Boca Juniors, the club where the legendary Diego Maradona made his reputation.
“I’m supporting Brazil because I love the team,” said Soares. My favourite players are Neymar and Kaka [Kaka did not make Brazil’s World Cup squad]. I’m eagerly awaiting the Brazil versus Spain match, because both teams have good players”.
Brazil are hot favourites to win the trophy for a record sixth time.
As speculation mounts over the fitness of Portugal’s talismanic striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, a number of fans of the sport believe they have little chance. Said Mesquita, a former Second Division footballer himself, “This year Portugal does not have a good team. In fact, media reports suggest that their only star player Ronaldo is also not 100 per cent fit.”
Yet the age-old cultural connection means that it’s not too surprising to find true-blooded Goans who have a thing for Brazil as well as Portugal. Among them is cardiologist Dr Rufino Monteiro, who heads the Goa Football Development Corporation.
“I’ll be supporting Brazil and Portugal during the World Cup," he said. "I especially love to watch Neymar, Oscar and Ronaldo in action.”
Goa’s passion for football can be gauged by the recurring images of young kids wearing Barcelona, Arsenal or Chelsea team jerseys to work, the beach, on dates – pretty much everywhere other than perhaps Sunday mass or a funeral.
Goa’s fisheries minister, Avertano Furtado, played football at a high level, goalkeeping for the Indian club Churchill Brothers.
Furtado is flying to Brazil to support the team he loves most. “I’m planning to leave for Brazil to catch the quarters, semis and finals. I support Brazil,” he said with pride.
While Furtado is one of the lucky few to fly to Brazil, pubs and bars in Goa are gearing up for the great influx of football fans during the games. There are happy hour discounts and unlimited beverages packages on offer, though some complain about the late-night timings of the matches.
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