Followers wave India’s nationwide flag close to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, earlier than the beginning of the worldwide pleasant soccer match between India and Brazil. Photograph: AFP
KOLKATA:
From Diego Maradona’s notorious “Hand of God” to Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt, Indian soccer fan Dipak Nandy has witnessed a few of the World Cup’s defining moments from the stands.
However on Saturday, the 77-year-old will savour a uncommon sporting event from the consolation of his hometown Kolkata, the place Brazil tackle his dwelling nation of their first-ever worldwide pleasant.
Nandy, who has travelled far and huge to attend 11 World Cups, will take on this specific match in entrance of the tv.
Apart from the novelty of welcoming the Selecao to city, he has fond recollections of Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil coach whom he watched as a participant for Italy.
Nandy’s love affair with the sport began in 1966, when Indian former footballer and coach Amal Dutta introduced video reels of the World Cup again to Kolkata from England.
“I used to be sitting in one of many screenings and bought bitten by the bug — and promised myself that sooner or later I’ll go watch the World Cup,” he stated.
That remained a distant dream till a buddy invited him to Mexico, which hosted the match in 1986.
“At the moment a passport wanted 4 to 5 months for processing — however one way or the other I bought it made in 15 days, and I went for my first World Cup,” Nandy stated.
He has been to each match since, together with this yr’s version co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
No regrets
Amongst Nandy’s cherished recollections are the seven matches involving Argentine legend Diego Maradona, whom he described as a once-in-a-lifetime participant.
“He performed unbelievable soccer and performed a lone hand in making Argentina champions,” he informed AFP, his eyes glittering.
“There can be none like him. I stroll out of the room when individuals evaluate Pele and Maradona.”
He was within the crowd when Maradona single-handedly defeated England with two targets in 1986 — one a blatant handball, the opposite a wonderful run from inside his personal half.
Different recollections embrace the 2006 ultimate in Germany, when France captain Zidane was notoriously despatched off for headbutting Marco Materazzi of Italy, who went on to win on penalties.
“I’ll go to each World Cup until I die — well being and cash allowing,” stated Nandy.
“The amount of cash I spent on watching soccer dwell, I may have constructed an enormous constructing, however I do not remorse it. Slightly, I’m pleased with it.”
Nandy has his personal theories about why India, the world’s most populous nation, fares so poorly within the sport.
They’ve by no means certified for a World Cup and have solely made 4 appearances on the Olympics, ending fourth out of 11 groups in 1956.
“The international locations which have peaked in soccer have one single tradition with good climate,” Nandy stated, grumbling in regards to the sport’s “weak organisation” and the recognition of cricket.
“India have completely different religions, meals and cultures, and scorching and humid climate, which does not assist the trigger.”