PANAJI: Before the start of every major football championship like the World Cup and Euros, Sahil Tavora religiously scouted for Portugal merchandise with which he could decorate the house.
He normally bought flags, jerseys, or whatever was available in the city.
The Covid-19 pandemic, though, means this year it’s different.
Shops have remained shut and restaurants closed.
There are no public screenings either, and everyone is forced to watch Euro 2020 at home.
Tavora, a midfielder who dons colours for Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League, is stuck at home too, but the excitement of watching his favourite team play remains unmatched.
“Watching Portugal play gives you a different thrill,” said Tavora, who also played for GDSC Alvarenga, a club in the fourth tier of Portuguese football.
“Portugal are now in the knockout stage.
The draw is quite tough, but the performance against France gives me hope.
On their night, Portugal can beat any team in the world.” The defending champions finished third in the group of death that also had world champions France and Germany, besides Hungary who played their games at home.
They won just one of their three group games and now face world’s top-ranked team, Belgium, in the pre-quarterfinals at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville on Sunday.
Goa’s ties with its former coloniser run deep.
Their rule here saw the introduction of language, music and, of course, football.
For many, this relationship with Portugal who ruled the state for 450 years, has stood the test of time.
“I remember listening to the commentary on transistors at the 1966 World Cup in England.
Portugal had one of the strong sides with Eusebio in top form but lost in the semifinals.
I hope they can make amends and win a major trophy on English soil,” said Hillary Fernandes, a 72-year-old football enthusiast from Porvorim.
Portugal has one of the stronger teams at Euro 2020 with many of their players doing duty for top teams in Europe.
There is Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way, while Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias was voted the Premier League’s Player of the Year.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Bernardo Silva (City), Diogo Jota (Liverpool) and Renato Sanches (Lille) are the other stars in the team.
“There are so many great players in the squad that it’s imperative for coach (Fernando Santos) to get the team combination right.
We must go with the team that played against France (2-2 draw),” said Welvin Menezes, the Goa Velha based CEO of Sporting Clube de Goa, whose entire family is rooting for Portugal.
Gletta Mascarenhas is nervous and excited in equal measure.
A huge fan of Ronaldo, she is delighted with the striker’s five goals in the championship and is praying that he scores another one that will not just help Portugal in the knockout clash but make him the world’s top international goalscorer.
“Belgium won’t be easy, but Portugal can definitely get the better of them.
It will be memorable for everyone if Ronaldo scores the winner,” said Mascarenhas, whose hero equalled Iranian legend Ali Daei’s international goalscoring record in the previous game.
Portugal face Belgium who have won 13 matches in a row and, along with France, are the favourites to emerge champions.
The Belgians won all three of their group matches ahead of the round of 16 but fans have spotted weaknesses.
“Belgium has a suspect defence which Portugal can exploit,” said Abner D’Souza.
“If the team can sort out the midfield and remain tight at the back, we can win this one.
Belgium is the biggest hurdle in the path, and once we clear this, there is no stopping.”
As Portugal takes on Belgium, Goa prays, hopes for a Ronaldo winner
