While Alison, 25, the eldest sibling swears by the defending champions, Germany, her younger brothers, Clinton (22), Eldon (20) and Simeon (16) are loyal to Portugal, Belgium and Argentina respectively
PANAJI
They might be bonded as siblings, but the De Barros from Mapusa – Alison, Clinton, Eldon and Simeon are divided by their team support to a common denominator - FIFA World Cup.
While Alison, 25, the eldest sibling swears by the defending champions, Germany, her younger brothers, Clinton (22), Eldon (20) and Simeon (16) are loyal to Portugal, Belgium and Argentina respectively.
As you enter the living room of the De Barros household in Altinho, Mapusa you could well be greeted by their affectionate five-year-old Labrador, Thea draped in a Brazilian jersey. The décor of the hall is festive to the occasion with the various participating country flags of the ongoing FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 across the walls overhead.
Alison, who helps in the family business, is a keen follower of Germany since the last two editions of the quadrennial showpiece gone by. “They co-ordinate well, play as a team and are not dependent on any player,” the Die Mannschaft fan proudly stated.
With her side being inconsistent at the ongoing World Cup with a shocking reverse in their opening engagement against Mexico before a dramatic yet unconvincing win against Sweden on Saturday, she shared her thoughts on the virtual do-or-die game against the Swedes, she felt that the Germans were a resolute bunch. “It was a great comeback by the Germans who fought till the very last minute. They stepped up their game from the previous one (vs Mexico) and had many chances. They should have converted more of them,” she reflected.
Meanwhile the oldest of her three brothers, Clinton who also helps in the family business, is a Portugal loyalist. A supporter of Portugal since the 2006 World Cup, he fervently hopes things change around for the perennial under-achievers. For a start, he wishes they are more positive in their playing style. “They play more defensively, not much in attack. They should improve their passing,” the Cristiano Ronaldo fan confessed.
On The Navigators performance in this World Cup, he acknowledged it was not up to the mark. “They have not performed well, but another point (against Iran) and they are through,” the twice FIFA Play Station State Tournament winner stated. “Portugal should keep more possession, play through the midfield to support Ronaldo,” Clinton assessed.
Portugal’s best showing at the World Cup has been a third place finish at the 1966 edition. And the Portugal fan feels they can get there this edition as well. “Realistically, they have a good chance on reaching the semis. They have to be careful not to concede goals with Bernado Silva who has won the Premier League playing a bigger role in his passing from the midfield,” the 22-year-old said.
Eldon is a Belgium fan since Euro 2012 and has stuck to the side since. “I support the side because many of their quality players play the Premier League which I am a big fan of,” revealed the B. Pharm student.
The 20-year-old does not put it beyond the Red Devils to reach the World Cup 2018 finals. Boasting of big names like Kevin de Bruyne (midfielder), Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku (both forwards), and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the side has been on a roll with convincing wins (3-0 vs Panama and 5-2 vs Belgium) to move from pre-tournament dark horses to World Cup title contenders.
But the Liverpool fan does admit they could be lucky getting to the finals with formidable likely obstacles in Spain and France to put across. He realises this is their best opportunity of winning the coveted Cup with the form they are in starting with an unbeaten run in the qualifiers, winning 19 of their matches and drawing the other. “Once they start scoring, they can score big (Lukaku, Hazard) and can demolish any big team,” Eldon warned.
The youngest sibling, Simeon has been an Argentine supporter since the last World Cup.
“I support Argentina because I am a Messi and Barca fan,” the 16-year-old was frank in admission. Though La Albiceleste is with a sole point from two games with an inferior goal difference, the Xaverite is an eternal optimist. “They need to win against Nigeria by a three-goal margin with Croatia having to upstage Iceland,” he deduced on his team’s chances on clearing the first hurdle.
What went wrong in the stunning 0-3 defeat to Croatia in their last game to push them on the edge? “The coach should have started with Di Maria (midfielder) and Dybala (forward),” an upset Simeon revealed.
For all their loyalties at the World Cup, there tends to be a situation arising with a clash of match timings on their team taking on a different opposition. In such a scenario, the one who loses the control over the remote of the TV in the living hall has to take the option of going upstairs. And it is only their canine companion, who has to make a choice where to go.
