“I am sure this World Cup will be the best ever. It is being hosted for the first time by an African nation, and I am sure South Africa has prepared properly,” says Sarthak Neupane, 15, a student of Budhanilkantha School.
However, with many controversies like the eviction of shack dwellers from the tourist areas to beautify the city and many other security concerns, there are some who think South Africa has not done enough. Gokuleshwor Pokharel, 20, who is going to Trinity College in the US, expects this World Cup to be mediocre. “We have already heard about many problems. I believe that the South African policy for this World Cup has not been satisfactory. Many concerns like that of South African sex workers complaining that sex workers from other countries are brought for the increased demand is problematic,” says Gokuleshwor.
Suyog Shrestha, 17, who recently graduated from United Academy, finds other problems related to the World Cup, but specific to Nepal. Nepal TV and Avenues TV have obtained the rights to broadcast the matches in Nepal. “It is said that popular channels like ESPN will be blocked during the broadcast of the World Cup which I believe will deteriorate the quality of the matches. Doing so will deprive us of good commentary during the matches and expert opinions during the breaks,” complains Suyog.
However much the tournament may be gathering criticism, people are definitely going to enjoy the one month watching the matches and supporting their teams. “I will be watching the matches in the projector at home with my family. I will call my friends as well and I am sure this will be an awesome month,” says Mahima Poudel, 16, a student at Kathmandu Academy.
While for Sarthak and Sujan, 16, a student at Budhanilkantha School, the kick off will be on TV at their hostel. “Watching World Cup in the hostel with friends is a different kind of fun and excitement that we will not get at home. With friends cheering and hooting, though it will not be like watching a live match at a stadium, it will definitely be close to it,” says Sujan.
When the discussion shifted to the supporting teams, the discussion became heated. While Gokuleshwor is a full supporter of Brazil, Anuj Mahat, 19, who is going to attend a college in the States this fall doesn´t want Brazil to win. “Brazil has been winning always and if Brazil wins this time as well, it will be monotonous and boring. I support France and am sure this nation will at least reach the finals. France has been my favorite team since the 1998 World Cup and with the likes of Theiry Henry, no other team is worth supporting,” says Anuj.
While some are supporting a single team, Mahima, though supporting England, wants an Asian team to win the World Cup. While Suyog wants previous World Cup hosts, Germany to lift the Cup, Sarthak is sure that the title defenders will be World Cup winners once again. Sujan like Anuj is hopeful that though France was held back last time, it will not happen this time.
With one´s favorite team comes betting. Sarthak and Sujan will be enjoying betting money with their friends for their favorite team while Suyog is proud to say “I don´t bet”. “We seniors will bet money but things are interesting for juniors who bet their tiffin, in terms of bananas and eggs,” says Sarthak. Different people have different ideas for betting, while small kids bet food, seniors money, brave girls like Mahima plans to bet their eyebrows, the one who loses having to save their own eyebrows.
Betting would not have taken place if Nepal were one of the 32 teams to qualify. However, few are hopeful that Nepal will make it. For Anuj it is never going to be in his lifetime, while for Sujan it will take more than 100 years, for Sarthak it is bound to take next five generations, and for Gokuleshwor it is never going to happen. While Suyog is hopeful that if sports becomes apolitical and if the government provides support to the football players, hopefully, Nepal will eventually be one of the teams to qualify.
Winning and losing a bet is a part of the excitement but everyone is hopeful that even though they will not be able to watch all the matches, at least during the match of their favorite team, they will be lucky enough if Nepal Electricity Authority grants electricity in their area. Late night matches are definitely going to be a delight to watch andMahima hopes that the school grants holiday the next day of the finals at least.
Football is a uniting force for all and no matter who wins; it will definitely relax the minds of people who have been seeing so much political confusion in the present days. The youth and elderly alike, everyone is set for a great month ahead. Hopefully holidays will be granted to the students at least the next day of the finals so that they may celebrate or mourn the loss.
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