A roadshow taken out through Malappuram town on Sunday afternoon took people by surprise. It appeared as though the football World Cup championship was taking place in this part of the world. Youngsters wearing the colours of their favourite countries, mostly Brazil and Argentina, and painted in green, yellow, blue, and white paraded through the town to herald the FIFA World Cup beginning in Brazil later this week.
They danced to the tune of several FIFA World Cup songs, including the famous 2010 Shakira song Waka Waka . Speakers blared as hundreds of motorcycles and dozens of cars and jeeps paraded through the roads. Many bikes and cars were painted in green and blue. A Toyota Innova painted in Brazil’s colours stole the show.
Brazilian star Neymar and Argentine star Lionel Messi are the favourites of the youth. Wearing masks and jerseys sporting images of Neymar and Messi, the youngsters sang and danced. “If we can’t do it now, when can we?” screamed a boy during the roadshow.
Symbolic final tooThe show culminated in a symbolic World Cup final match between Brazil and Argentina. Players of major football clubs in the State played for Brazil and Argentina wearing their jerseys. Spectators encouraged both teams. The slight edge in support that the Brazilian team enjoyed was reflected in the results. They beat Argentina 2-1.
The zest displayed by the youngsters at the roadshow, however, irked many elders. “What are these kids up to? What a generation,” murmured a 70-year-old shop owner on Manjeri Road here.
However, irrespective of age, people watched in amusement as the youth danced to the tune of music and band.
