BASIL SYLVESTER PINTO
PANAJI
Handed an ISL debut for The Gaurs last season, Ali Mohamed served robust in central defence with the opportunities presented to him. The strapping FC Goa player like any other football aficionado is keenly looking forward to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.
“When I was a kid, I didn’t really know too much about the sport. However, watching such a spectacular event at that age was a great pleasure,” the 25-year-old says. “I had a huge friends circle and all of us gathered to watch the matches every day. It used to happen very often that I supported one team while all my friends supported the other. I support Portugal and if the opposition scored even one goal against Portugal, all my friends would dance and jump around right next to me. These were really exciting times. It was always so much fun to watch the tournament with friends and family around,” the Caranzalem-based player added on his earliest memory watching the extravaganza.
His favourite World Cup game was still fresh to memory as if it was played only yesterday. “I still remember the date of my favourite World Cup match “ 9-7-2014, Brazil v Germany. It was unbelievable how Germany contested that match. Thomas Muller in particular was on fire and blew the Brazilians away. That was indeed, one match that is so vivid in my memory,” gushed the soft-spoken player.
“I am looking forward to witnessing some high level and great intensity matches at this World Cup,” Ali added. Speaking further, as would a sizeable number of Goan fans he threw his weight behind Portugal, and making a mention of Brazil too. “I have high expectations from my favourite team “ Portugal. I am sure they will shine bright. Portugal and Brazil are both title contenders and both these teams are amazing in their own way,” the FC Goa star revealed.
“There are a couple of must watch matches in the group stage, Portugal v Spain, Argentina v Croatia and Belgium v England will be fun,” Ali predicted.
As a player manning the backline on field, it was understandable that he would fancy an eye on defenders at the forthcoming World Cup. “Being a defender it is obvious that I will observe Ramos and Pique. They will be my main focus besides, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and Salah who has been superb this season,” he pointed out.
He is glad that the World Cup is timed just at the right time. “The tournament is scheduled at exactly the right time. The football world is in its off season currently and for players like us, it makes it easy to catch the matches during this time,” Ali reasoned.
