BASIL SYLVESTER PINTO
MARGAO
A well-attended FIFA World Cup 2018 Final Fan Fest at BPS Sports Club, Margao between France and Croatia witnessed a stadium-like experience, like never before. The biggest screening in South Goa here on a massive 16x10 ft screen saw over 150 people cheer their respective sides on Sunday night.
While Les Bleus supporters were seen in their team jersey or decked in blue, with a group even carrying a small poster reading ‘Go France,’ those with the other side marked their presence with every strong performance of the underdogs. Even with the Croatia chasing the game for most of the 90 minutes, their new-found fans through the course of the edition never backed down their cheers.
While ‘The Blazers’ lived up to its name until the final, Sunday as much as they stomached a fight it was not their night. The 2-4 defeat for Croatia in Moscow effectively ended a win short of becoming only the third side (France and Spain, the other two) debuting in a World Cup final to take home the title. Meanwhile, the fancied France brought home the coveted trophy after 20 years and in their third final in the quadrennial showpiece.
The screenings which ran right through the knock-out stages was a collaboration between The Football Dug Out and The Goan Everyday. The Goan spoke to a few fans after the match and this is what they had to say.
“It was a great match. I knew from the beginning that France would win the World Cup,” stated Tennyson Vaz. “But I would like to congratulate the Croatian team as they truly gave us a World Cup finale. Overall, the game was entertaining as the Croatian attack was awesome and the French midfield was good,” the Cuncolim-based fan added.
While giving plaudits to the second-time world Cup winners, France, Viano Pereira acknowledged their opposition was talented and brave. He traced the mental toughness and will-power of the Croats to the 87-day siege of Vukovar in eastern Croatia by the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), some 27 years ago. “When Vukovar was being shelled to hell in 1991 no one was thinking about the World Cup final,” he declared.
“Les Bleus had a few lucky breaks in the final but were worthy World Cup winners. Croatia has been great to watch. I do have to say I feel Croatia were the better team. France was clinical but Croatia put in a solid performance,” Pereira stated. “I do not mean that France is not an undeserving team. They had a great tournament and even if they did not play at their best on the night, they scored. But yes, I would have loved to see Croatia coming through. They were amazing,” the Varca-based resident said.
Sanford Faria, has always worn the Les Bleus colours. “France has a great team which could achieve this kind of glory. And they did it in style,” Faria pointed out. “In the first half, Croatia was determined to win it but France was resolute to win their second World Cup after 20 years,” the Cuncolim resident affirmed.
Jesus Periera was rooting for Croatia after his team, defending champions Germany, had an early exit in the edition. “I am a little bit disappointed because Croatia lost,” he admitted. But he was quick to add that it was a great campaign for both the teams. “Croatia should be proud of their efforts and for France it is a well-deserved win. France started off well beating Argentina, an in-form Belgium and in the end Croatia with their brilliant effort. I would tell Croatia, never to give up and I see their future bright. Allez Les Bleus,” the Fatorda resident concluded.
