http://sport.indiatimes.com/soccerarticleshow/1705943.cms
Goa prays for Portugal AVIJIT GHOSH|TIMES NEWS NETWORK|RSS Feeds| SMS WCUP to 8888 for Football Action MARGAO, July 4: Portugal have never beaten France in football. Even a draw has been too much to achieve against the Frenchmen. But Goa is hoping that history might happen when the two European teams meet in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday night. "Everybody knows that Portugal are the underdog. But an overwhelming number of Goans want their dream run to continue," says Sigmund de Souza, who edits the fortnightly magazine, Goa Messenger. The Portuguese colonised these parts of western India for over four-and-a-half centuries. In many ways, the legacy endures. The colonial rule left its mark in Goa's architecture, language, music and lifestyle. Even today, many Goans have family ties in Lisbon. In towns, travel agents offer ways and means of getting Portuguese citizenship. "For many people, especially the old, there's a strong sense of bonding with Portugal," says Father Dominic Sequira of Verca church. Football too came to Goa through the Portuguese. And since the Portuguese did not play cricket, football continues to be the state's numero uno sport. In fact, the Portuguese contributed enormously to raising the quality of the game in Goa. Just as the British Army teams helped improve the standards in pre-independence India, so did Portuguese soldiers and navymen who played here. Yet, Brazil - not Portugal - were most Goans' first choice team. Reason: Brazil's eye-pleasing style, their champion qualities and the fact that they too are a former Portuguese colony. But with the Cup favourites being ousted by France, Portugal have emerged as the preferred choice. Driving through Benaulim, Verca, Orlim and other areas in south Goa though it isn't easy finding visible signs of support for Portugal. In a village game at Benaulim, nobody dons a Portuguese jersey; Brazil's yellow and Italy's blue dominate. Surprisingly, even Portugal's quarterfinal triumph didn't make it to the frontpage of several local newspapers. But gauging the audience interest watching the England-Portugal game, it was evident Luis Figo and company enjoy huge support. With Brazil gone, a possible division of loyalty has been avoided. "Support for Portugal will be more pronounced in the semifinal game," says John Fernandes of Beneaulim village. Scolari's boys sure need it. -- DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org
