Kolkata: Brazil’s round-of-16 exit from the Fifa World Cup after defeat to Norway left supporters crestfallen, but in Kolkata’s football-mad neighbourhoods, mourning did not last long. The city’s Brazil faithful have found new teams to back — or, more precisely, teams to cheer for against Argentina.The shift was clear during Tuesday’s Argentina-Egypt thriller in Kalighat’s Kalidas Patitundi Lane, Gopalnagar, Fakir Chakraborty Lane and Tarak Dutta Road — areas that usually turn yellow and green during World Cups.IT executive Ronnie Roychowdhury was returning to Jadavpur from Esplanade when he heard a roar from about 50 people near the Kalighat fire station. “I thought Argentina had scored and checked my cell phone. Then I saw Egypt had drawn first blood. I was surprised Egypt had such a fan following. Later, I learnt they were Brazil supporters who were now cheering any team that was taking on Argentina to ensure the arch-rival crashed out,” he said.The mood echoed a familiar Kolkata football syndrome: When Mohun Bagan are out, some supporters back whoever plays East Bengal, and vice versa.In Brazil-dominated paras, Monday’s loss to Norway was briefly forgotten as Egypt took the lead. Supporters fumed when an Egypt goal that could have doubled the advantage was disallowed, celebrated when Egypt scored again, and sank into disbelief as Argentina struck thrice to win in regulation time.“It was absolutely unfair. Egypt’s second goal was disallowed when a foul that happened at the other end of the pitch was called by VAR. Yet, a similar foul in the Argentina penalty box was overlooked as Argentina went on to score its third and winning goal,” said Pultu Das of Gopalnagar.The debate has continued in tea stalls, street corners and WhatsApp groups. With Brazil gone, many Kolkata fans are planning fresh allegiances: France against Morocco, Spain against Belgium, England against Norway and Switzerland against Argentina.“Brazil still being in the fraywould have meant a lot of tension. But following the defeat, we are getting to cheer for other teams that can beat Argentina,” said Subhojoy Dey of Tarak Dutta Road. Unlike Brazil supporters, those of Germany and Portugal,which both exited before the knockout phase, are not backing any particular team. “I will be happy if the team that plays better wins,” said Aksar Agarwal, a Portugal and Ronaldo supporter.In Argentina-supporting neighbourhoods, loyalty remains firmly with La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. “There is some interest in France’s progress because it will ultimately be the greatest challenge, like last year. But there is no interest in supporting the teams that France plays against,” said Uttam Saha of Ganguly Bagan, founder of an Argentina fan club.Others have moved beyond old rivalries. “The World Cup is much bigger than one team. I just want to enjoy the remaining matches and am slightly inclined to support Spain,” said college student Disha Ghosal.
