LUDHIANA: There will be little at stake, but sentiments will still stay high among all football lovers in Ludhiana when France will take on underdogs Croatia in the World Cup finals at
Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday.
The scene will be electrifying at several restaurants and bars, which have put up huge screens to make it a memorable affair for
football fans.
The clubs also have set up screens.
“We are just a few hours away from world’s biggest extravaganza. I believe football fans from Ludhiana are all geared up to cheer for their favourite teams. As we understand the passion, we have arranged a screen in the open terrace. Several tables have already been booked and we have given offers on drinks,” said Surender Singh Vohra, manager of a banquet on Pakhowal Road.
“We have got FIFA mad hour, under which we give offers to people who love to enjoy matches and drink. We have decorated the ambience accordingly. Staff and employees would don special shirts for the event,” said Kumud Sachdeva, owner of a restaurant at BRS Nagar.
Even a kindergarten school, situated on Mall Road hosted its own version of the FIFA World Cup on Saturday. The two teams which made it to the finals were Speedy Cats and Mad Ants. The match ended in a draw after which there was a penalty shootout.
Members of Ludhiana Football Club and PAU Football Club are also excited for the mega event.
Victory bhangra
Rahul Vishwakarma, 31-year-old quality assurance analyst from Kitchlu Nagar, is one football freak who has been playing the sport for the past 10 years and had even played in a professional Singapore Club. Despite the fact that Ronaldo is his favorite player, he thinks that Luka Modric from Croatia will make a difference in the game. According to him, Croatia will better of France 2-1. Rahul says, “If Croatia wins, I will celebrate the victory with bhangra.”
“The sport is increasingly gaining attention even in countries like India where
cricket is still a religion.” He added.
Beer and football
Simarjit Singh Sekhon, 38-year-old resident of Phullanwal village, says, “I have been playing football for the past 25 years. Even now, when I play this game, I feel like living my dream. I will support Croatia taking beer sips.”
Party if France wins
South City-based Gurshaan Sidhu, 11, who is a member of Ludhiana Football Club, has already bought T-shirt to support his favourite team France. He said, “I will watch this match with my family and friends and celebrate its victory by throwing a party.”
Table at pub
Vikram Sidhu, 40, who has already booked a table at a restaurant at Sarabha Nagar, says that he started following the game in 1998 when he was studying at PAU. He said, “Since then, my passion and love for soccer has reached a different level. I support Croatia as they are a great unit and very motivated for a win. France is obviously a superior side technically.”
Betting on Croatia
Amanbir Singh, a 42-year-old soccer fan, is betting on Croatia as he says the team is genetically superior to their rivals. Rahul Pal, a 27-year-old football lover from the city, has been playing football for the past 13 years. Though he is supporting France, he feels Griezmann and Modric will make a difference.
