Flex battles, football dreams mark Kerala’s World Cup countdown
With four days left for the FIFA World Cup, football fever is sweeping Kerala, especially Malabar. After the Assembly elections, football fans have turned their
With four days left for the FIFA World Cup, football fever is sweeping Kerala, especially Malabar. After the Assembly elections, football fans have turned their attention to the World Cup. Hoardings, cut-outs and flags of Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Portugal, Spain, England, and France have appeared across towns and villages. Community-viewing centres with big screens and rain shelters are being set up at many places. The late-night schedule, however, is a concern. “Most matches are at odd hours. Even the opening match will begin at 12.30 a.m. on Friday. That is a worry for those who have to go to work the next day,” said Mohinudheen M., a chartered accountancy student from Malappuram.
Betting on the tournament winner has already begun, with wagers expected to be placed on individual matches as well. Argentina and Brazil continue to command the largest fan bases in Kerala. These fans are engaged in a fle board contest. Argentina fans at Kongad put up a 160-foot-long flex, only for Brazil supporters to respond with a 182-foot-long version. Brazil fans in Nilambur are now preparing a bigger display. “We are putting up a 350-foot-long flex. Let anyone try to beat that,” said Rahat Ajmal, a Neymar supporter from Nilambur. The World Cup buzz has also spawned community events. At Wandoor, Kudumbashree organised ‘She Kick’, a women’s dream final between Argentina and Brazil that drew participants, including elderly women.
Malappuram municipality launched a ‘Mini Blasters’ project ahead of the World Cup. Under the initiative, 3,000 Balasabha members received jerseys, while Balasabha clubs received footballs. The municipality also organised a Brazil-Argentina dream final. Not all the rivalry has remained friendly. Flex boards were vandalised at several places. At Pothukal near Nilambur, an elderly person was suspected to have torn down both Brazil and Argentina boards. “We spent thousands of rupees on these boards. Those who destroy them do not understand the emotions attached to them,” said Mohammed Ismail, a Brazil supporter. Beyond flags, banners For some fans, football loyalty goes beyond flags and banners. At Nenmara, Sheikh Shabeer, a civil engineer, has painted his house in Brazil’s colours and adorned it with images of Brazilian football stars.
Known locally as the ‘Brazil House’, it has become a popular selfie spot. A fan of Brazilian football legend Ronaldo, Mr. Shabeer has repainted the house for each of the past three World Cups. His children, however, support Neymar. The colours of Brazil and Argentina have spread beyond homes and hoardings. Cars and motorcycles have been painted in the colours of the two teams. As the countdown enters its final days, Kerala is once again showing why the World Cup is celebrated here with a passion that is rarely matched elsewhere.
The BriefWire