Final duel: Football-crazy Kolkata split over Argentina and Brazil – Times of India

Kolkata: A mouth-watering fare awaits football fans this Sunday with two of the city’s favourite teams set to clash in the final of Copa America, stirring up a frenzy and splitting the city into two camps, with each rooting passionately for their favourite teams.
As Brazil clashes with Argentina, it will be Messi magic versus Neymer’s brilliance on display and Kolkata couldn’t have hoped for a more exciting start to a Sunday — the match starts at 5.30 am — with the Euro final slated to be played later that night.
The city usually splits into two whenever these sides meet, and this time will be no different. The social media is already abuzz and clubs — despite Covid and the odd hour of the match — have promised to make a spectacle out of it. Businessman Uttam Saha, founder of the Argentina Football Fans Club, promises to decorate his terrace with Argentina flags and have special cakes for breakfast. “It should be the perfect spot for a small party when Argentina lifts the Cup,” he said. Saha said, he would have loved to watch the match on a big screen at Ganguly Bagan, but the Covid restrictions will mean that he has to be careful. “I have a hall at home and a big television. Around 20 of us will watch the match early in the morning. Face masks and social distancing, though, will be essential,” he said.
Saha hopes that this time Argentina is able to turn the tables on Brazil, who beat them in their last Copa duel in 2019.
Chartered accountant Sayantan Majumdar — a die hard Brazil fan — has asked all his loyal friends to turn up at the Behala Navodaya club. They will be sporting the Brazil colours while watching the match. “There cannot be a bigger clash than this to welcome back football at its best,” he said. He plans to put up some Brazil flags in the neighbourhood hoping the rain Gods will have some mercy. “Brazil is a better unit and I am confident. I saw Argentina struggle in the semis and our coach Tete must have seen their weaknesses. I plan to celebrate with a few close friends at home after we win. Of course, I will need a little nap before I get ready for the euro finals at night,” said Majumdar. For him watching Messi win the Copa crown in Brazil will be the “ultimate nightmare”.
While Brazil won the title 9 times, Argentina leads the race with 14. Facebook groups — Brazil Fans of Kolkata and Argentina Fans Club Kolkata — are inviting discussions on the strength and weaknesses of the teams. “You cannot love your team unless you discuss it threadbare,” said a supporter on a Brazil group. “We want a good Latin American duel. These are matches that we look up to create the magic,” said Nikhil Sacheva, a college student.