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Soccer fever grips city

With the football fever reaching its peak cricket has taken the backseat, writes Sumit Bhattacharjee

Photo: K.R. Deepak

VIVA BRAZIL Die-hard Brazilian fans cheer thier team at the Aqua in The Park

A sharp shrill from the whistle sets the ball kicking. While the eleven men on each side sprint across the length and breadth of the field for the possession of that white leather ball, millions across the globe drop their jaw once the ball is kicked into the net.

The soccer fever has hit the globe. Though Germany is the nerve centre where 32 nations are busy battling it out for the FIFA World Cup, the biggest sporting event on the globe, the world has come to a stop.

According to a report by Goldman Sachs, over 2.5 billion people across the globe are presently watching the progress of the World Cup, be it by being present at the stadium or by staying glued to the television.

Brazil, the land of Pele and Samba, is always a step ahead of the rest when it comes to soccer. The nation where an empty beer can could start a serious football game in the street corner is virtually on a month long holiday. Soccer is their passion and lifeline. The official yellow and green jersey and the Ronaldinho special hairstyle has become part of their life.

When it comes to FIFA World Cup this port city is no minor. The India - West Indies cricket series has taken the backseat for a change. Names of cricketers like Rahul Dravid, Irfan Pathan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni have been replaced by the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Messi for the time being.

"It is football, football and football right at the moment. We rush back from the college in the evening to watch the matches and have not missed any game so far," says Somnath of Gayatri College.

Somnath along with five of his friends have formed a group and they make it a point to assemble either at a friend's place or at the Coffee Day every evening to view the matches in ESPN. The group has also got a Brazilian, Stefannia Forner, who has come here as part of AIESEC programme.

While Brazil stands out as clear favourite, lot many go with Spain, Argentina and underdogs Czech Republic.

"We are out-and-out Brazil fans. We even got a few Jerseys imported from Brazil through a common friend and sport them whenever there is a Brazil encounter. At Coffee Day many mistake us as Brazilians at times," say Somnath and Kinshuk.

While Somnath and his friends are ready to put all their money on Brazil with Ronaldinho as their favourite star, Rohit and Srinivas feel Spain has got a better chance.

Big screens

In tune with the enthusiasm, a couple of hotels like Park and Meghalaya and hangout places like Chrome and Coffee Day have put up big screens to support the fans.

While the championship is on the verge of entering the decisive round for the final 16, the stage is set for soccer time till July 9.

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