1983We were teenagers on the day when Kapil Dev’s devils lifted the ODI cricket crown on the balcony of Lodz and made every Indian proud. The enthusiasm they spread from London spread to every field and harvested field in our country. The days when the bat and the stumps were cut into the wood and the excitement of cricket was raised everywhere. Our passion for cricket was above any other game including football. Alappuzha Alangatte New Kerala Club organizes a football tournament every year, but all the playing fields are ruled by cricket bats and stumps. Meanwhile, the 1986 World Cup started in Mexico.
By the time I got admission in college after my schooling. Although there was electricity in the country, television was rare. The news about the World Cup held in Mexico, however, started infusing us with football as if it was enough to watch the game. The only hope for me and my friends was the television that came to our house before the World Cup. A black and white TV covered in an old wooden shutter. I remember that it was bought to watch World Cup matches. So, Mexico became a miniature version of the excitement of the World Cup in our home. We turned midnights into a Mexican gallery in front of the black and white television set on the porch of the ancestral home.
Argentina’s legendary star Diego Maradona, who shows magic on the ball with his short legs, waited until the day and night just to watch him play. The goals he scores in every game and the passion he brings to the team and the gallery has blown our minds.
Thus, when Argentina defeated Uruguay, England and Belgium and won the world title after defeating West Germany in the final, the country called Argentina spread across the continent at the other end of the earth and the superhuman Diego Maradona and the blue and white flag came to mind. The love for Maradona led from the cricket crease to the green of the football field. Diego was inspired to watch and play football.
Even when the World Cup came to Italy in 1990, Maradona and his team enjoyed the boom. Diego’s performance on that day fell short, but Argentina were better. Goalkeeper Sergio Goicocia’s brilliant saves paved the way for Argentina to reach the final. Although they eventually surrendered to West Germany, Argentina and Diego remained favorites.
The wait for the crowns has been long since then, but as a die-hard fan, I am hoping that Argentina will once again win the World Cup with Lionel Messi in Qatar.
So far, the World Cups that have been seen on TV are waiting to be watched in the gallery this time. Argentina have two match tickets in hand in the group round. Must see Semi also. I also feel fortunate to be a part of the World Cup through various community programs as a member of the Indian Sports Center, an organization affiliated to the Indian Embassy.