DOHA
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar is turning out to be a union of friends and family, with football fans of Goan origin converging in the host country from different parts to watch the football showpiece event which kicked off on November 20 and will culminate with the final on December 18 at Lusail Stadium.
Among the fans of different countries who have moved to Qatar to join the fun and revelry of the World Cup some of them are from Goa settled in different parts of the world.
For the Porob cousins of Anjuna, it was a big union with family and friends from Sweden, Dubai and Goa during the football event.
Anil Porob flew to Qatar from Sweden while his other cousins Nandan Porob, Ashwin Porob, Praveen Porob, all part of the extended Porob family were together and watched the Argentina vs Mexico match, which the South Americans won 2-0.
Also part of the group which watched the group match at Lusail Stadium, the venue which will host the final on December 18, were, Narshingh Velingkar (NV), of Sankhalim now based in Dubai.
Others who were part of the group but not connected by blood relationship but with the common bonds of football and friendship were Mohammed Sharif Memon and Simon Pereira, both of Vasco.
“This is our first World Cup and it was a marvellous feeling watching the match at the World Cup stadium,” said Simon, the group of Argentina fans who were hosted by Cortalim-born social worker John de Sa, who is based in Qatar for the last 37 years.
Incidentally, John set a unique record by watching four matches on a single day in Qatar a few days back.
The icing on the cake for the Argentina supporters were the twin super strikes by Lionel Messi and the upcoming talented striker Enzo Fernandez.
“Yes, the goal was a superb one and we got our money's worth, watching him score on TV and watching him in person in the stadium are two different things,” added Simon.
The main attraction of the group during the match was their own ‘Maradonna’ Edwin Almeida based in Dubai but tracing his roots to Dubai.
Edwin was one of the most wanted fan in the stands with supporters of La Albiceleste eager to take a selfie or a picture with him.
Asked as to whether he had been approached by any fans in the past for autographs or to pose for a selfie, he replied in the affirmative.
Edwin, who has a similar height, shape and looks like the Argentina great also said that people try to start a conversation with him in Spanish thinking that he is a Spanish-speaking Argentinian.
All the Goans, who have since departed back to their destinations, are hoping that Argentina qualifies from the group stage and make it to the final round.
“Yes definitely, we will come back and try to get tickets for the final if Argentina qualify for the final.
Meanwhile, Dr Rufino Monteiro, renowned cardiologist and former Chairman of Goa Football Development Council with his brother Carlos and his wife, both journalists in Australia are also attending the World Cup in Qatar. Manoj from Parra, who is part of Doctor's entourage has made the trip.
Among the fans of different countries who have moved to Qatar to join the fun and revelry of the World Cup some of them are from Goa settled in different parts of the world.
For the Porob cousins of Anjuna, it was a big union with family and friends from Sweden, Dubai and Goa during the football event.
Anil Porob flew to Qatar from Sweden while his other cousins Nandan Porob, Ashwin Porob, Praveen Porob, all part of the extended Porob family were together and watched the Argentina vs Mexico match, which the South Americans won 2-0.
Also part of the group which watched the group match at Lusail Stadium, the venue which will host the final on December 18, were, Narshingh Velingkar (NV), of Sankhalim now based in Dubai.
Others who were part of the group but not connected by blood relationship but with the common bonds of football and friendship were Mohammed Sharif Memon and Simon Pereira, both of Vasco.
“This is our first World Cup and it was a marvellous feeling watching the match at the World Cup stadium,” said Simon, the group of Argentina fans who were hosted by Cortalim-born social worker John de Sa, who is based in Qatar for the last 37 years.
Incidentally, John set a unique record by watching four matches on a single day in Qatar a few days back.
The icing on the cake for the Argentina supporters were the twin super strikes by Lionel Messi and the upcoming talented striker Enzo Fernandez.
“Yes, the goal was a superb one and we got our money's worth, watching him score on TV and watching him in person in the stadium are two different things,” added Simon.
The main attraction of the group during the match was their own ‘Maradonna’ Edwin Almeida based in Dubai but tracing his roots to Dubai.
Edwin was one of the most wanted fan in the stands with supporters of La Albiceleste eager to take a selfie or a picture with him.
Asked as to whether he had been approached by any fans in the past for autographs or to pose for a selfie, he replied in the affirmative.
Edwin, who has a similar height, shape and looks like the Argentina great also said that people try to start a conversation with him in Spanish thinking that he is a Spanish-speaking Argentinian.
All the Goans, who have since departed back to their destinations, are hoping that Argentina qualifies from the group stage and make it to the final round.
“Yes definitely, we will come back and try to get tickets for the final if Argentina qualify for the final.
Meanwhile, Dr Rufino Monteiro, renowned cardiologist and former Chairman of Goa Football Development Council with his brother Carlos and his wife, both journalists in Australia are also attending the World Cup in Qatar. Manoj from Parra, who is part of Doctor's entourage has made the trip.
