India gets football fever every four years, when the World Cup comes to town. India is light years away from booking a place in the Cup finals, but for a month every four years, Indians root for different nations and players, with Brazil and Argentina, the South American football powerhouses emerging top favourites. Cricket takes a backseat in football season, and millions alter sleep patterns to fit the schedule of their favourite teams and players. What are the factors that influence the choices of countless denizens in India to adopt and support a side that is not their own?
Geo Joseph, an ad executive contends, “If you grew up learning and following the game in Kerala and Bengal, there is a good chance you would have ended up supporting Brazil or Argentina. If you are an urban Indian, who learnt about the game staying up watching European league matches, teams like Germany, Spain and England will hold your fancy, since it has players you have watched and enjoyed.”
He adds, “From game play to players and their distinct styles, everything plays a role in deciding the team you support. While most people have a pre tournament favourite, they do have a second team they would like to see win as well. I support Italy for the cup, though I do not think they are in with a chance this year. I am a Gerrard fan and this being his last chance at the World Cup want England to do well also. Though the defending champions have lost some of their superb touch, they are in with a chance. Germany, with all round talent will also be a tough contender.”
For IT Executive Jayanarayanan, balancing work, home and game schedules are a matter of concern.
“The matches are going to be held at 12.30 in the night in India. I will have to readjust my working schedules and hope that I can come into work a little later than usual.”
About World Cup predictions, he quips, “I follow European club football very keenly. I like some South American players, but would be rooting for a European team to win the World Cup on South American soil for the first time. Belgium is the team to watch out for this year, though I will be rooting for Germany. They have the team and just need some luck to work in their favour. I have a feeling this is going to be their year.”
Prasad Ghanekar, an architect is not very keen on the team battles of the world cup. “I follow the matches to discover new players for my favourite club. I like the small battles between the players instead of the international battles. I look at the world cup as a great opportunity for clubs to discover and groom good international footballers.”
He adds, “Most of the greatest players in the world are made by their clubs more than their national sides. The World cup throws up a series of good performances, who I hope will grace the club matches later this year. If I had to put my money on the winner of this year’s tournament, I would say Brazil and Germany are in with a really good chance.”
With India not participating, the cup allows us to enjoy the game, free of malice and jingoism, with love for the beautiful game and the players being the only important factor.
