Football fever rises in Bengaluru ahead of kickoff in Qatar | Bengaluru News – Times of India

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BENGALURU: As Sunday marks the grand start of the biggest sporting carnival in the world for the first time in west Asia, the football-crazy pockets of Bengaluru – Gowthampura and Austin Town – are all set to support their favourite teams.
Banners and ribbons are out and preparations are under way to watch the game on the big screen. With the Covid-19 situation easing, Gowthampura in Ulsoor, which has gained the moniker of ‘Mini-Brazil of Bengaluru’ because of its love of the beautiful game, is getting into party mode.

Football fever rises in B’luru ahead of kickoff in Qatar

“The famous Pele statue at the centre of Gowthampura is receiving a fresh coat of paint in Brazilian colours. We have decorated the statue enclosure with the Brazilian football logo in support of our favourite side which we believe has a strong chance of lifting this World Cup,” said S Ravi, one of the organisers.
The playground at Gowthampura, which welcomes visitors with a giant replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, is gearing up to display the games of Brazil at Qatar 2022 on giant screens for locals.
Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign on November 25 against Serbia. However, the football celebrations here this year are expected to be a bit sombre as recovery from the pandemic has been tough for Gowthampura.
The Euro 2020 championship, held in June 2021 in Europe, would have usually been received with fan frenzy in this locality, but it failed to excite as more than 150 people, including some senior footballers from the area, had succumbed to Covid-19. Gowthampura had welcomed the previous edition of the World Cup (2018) with a giant yellow football placed at the centre of the area in celebration. But this year, following the pandemic, local fans have mostly settled for mild celebrations and match screenings.
The Argentina corner
While Gowthampura may lean towards Brazil, Austin Town, not too far away, is often described as Argentina’s den, with locals rooting for Messi’s men to lift the cup. “We are preparing to support our favourite team after a big break and bad times with Covid. With no pandemic-related restrictions in place, it’s time for us to enjoy the game with full vigour,” said Samuel T, wearing an Argentina team jersey.
With the World Cup games stretching till December 18, for the much-awaited final day, many pubs, clubs and football fan groups in Bengaluru have plans to hold special events and offers to attract supporters.

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