THE MOMENT the European Championship has overshadowed all other games in the world, including Wimbledon, and India is no exception. This Euro 2004 is touted as a competition that matched the World Cup in terms of passion and breathtaking action. This quadrennial championship could not have had a greater start in a way reminiscent of the opening game of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. Senegal then made everyone sit up and take note of an emerging African power after it shocked, the then reigning Champion, France.

What an exceptional tournament it has proved to be so far. And to those who had come to believe that the European style of play had turned defensive and power-centred over the years, the action at Euro 2004 has come as a revelation. There has been great creative action, some brilliant goals and stunning saves not to forget the terrific upset results.

Pre-tournament predictions had not given Portugal much of a chance and particularly after their lacklustre opener against Greece. The main course of the feast is yet to come. But will Portugal lift the Euro Cup and be the nation to preside over the final festivities? There is much to look forward to. Now let’s hear the voices of some leading personalities GOAN OBSERVER spoke to.

Francis D’Souza: This ex-International player who had the distinction of being the first Goan to play for Mohun Bagan, now a National Coach and a National referee, has this to say when asked who will win the Euro 2004. My heart says Portugal but my mind (Football experience) says Czech Republic. Portugal because they have been helped by stroke of luck. They have been building in confidence, but lack the fire power of scoring goals like Holland, Czechs or France. The major contribution to their performance being the crowd support they enjoy. And Luis Figo hope to peak for the semi-finals/finals. But the most consistent performers in the Euro 2004 have been the Czechs. This exciting team has potential players in Milan Baros, Nedved and company to change the complexion of the match.

The Czechs play more penetration football and are always a threat to opponents because of their speed. Greece are the underdogs but they are capable of upsetting the Czechs as they have done to France.

Vishwas Gaonkar: The ex-state player and now head coach at the Sesa Football Academy favours both Portugal and the Czech Republic. Portugal because of home support. Though Portugal started their campaign with school boy football, they went on improving and now they have reached their peak. Portugal have a good coach in Luiz Filipe Scolari with 16 titles under his belt including the World Cup 2002 as the Brazilian coach. They say nothing succeeds like success. One success leads to another. His brilliant substitutions have paved the way for Portugal’s success. Had the substitution of Luis Figo against England backfired he would have come under a scanner. On the other hand Czechs are a disciplined team. They play disciplined football and are a determined lot. They have a strong bench too as they’ve shown by beating Germany with a second string team.

Brahmanand Sancoalcar: Director of Coaching , Arjuna awardee and former India captain, differs in his views. Holland’s play against Sweden was very impressive. They are a matured side, strong minded and can withstand pressure. Holland’s captain Frank de Boer and goal keeper Edwin Van der Sar are experienced and cool customers. Portugal have home advantage but they’ll have to come up with an exceptional play. Czechs are a good team but Greece are solid in defence and play as a compact team. My heart says Portugal. But my analyses are as a player and not as a fan.

Agnelo Fernandes: The ex-footballer (Panvel) and ex-National referee predicts Portugal will clinch the title as they’ve already crossed the major hurdle - England. For Captain Luis Figo this probably will be the last Euro Cup. His performance is bound to excel. But Nuno Gomes will be the man Holland has to watch and Ricardo a wall to cross. If Euro 2004 display has reached its peak with teams playing better then refereeing standards too have risen to greater heights with consistency being the “Ponte Forte” barring a few stray decisions.

Filipe Neri Rodrigues: Like most of the Goan sports fans, Minister for Irrigation Filipe Neri Rodrigues too seems to be consumed by Euro fever. He says Portugal are the favourites to lift the cup but the in-form Czech Republic team may upset the calculations. It’s nice to see underdog team progressing so far in the competition.
Fr. Victor Viegas: The Parish Priest at Utorda an avid football lover believes Portugal’s chances rest on their mid-field and their strikers. They haven’t won a major trophy for a long time. Their best showing was in 1966 World Cup having reached the semi-finals when Eusebio was at his best. They are now looking to break their hoodoo after semi-final defeats in 1984 and 2000. Now I think Portugal could be just getting to a stage where they’ve a team capable of winning the Euro.
Peter Vaz: Patron of Sporting Clube de Goa predicts Portugal v/s Czech final. Greece has a very good defence and they play typical 4-4-2 system, but still, Czechs because of their scoring prowess may be able to put across Greece. In the finals whichever team scores first will be the champs. But Peter’s heart beats for Portugal.

Mario Menezes: Euro fever hasn’t spared tiatrists too. Tragedy king of the Konkani stage and a much talked about writer - director is a strong supporter of Czech Republic. It has to be said with the overall Czech performance that they are the favourites. From the midfield trio of Porborsky, Tomas and Nedved and the fire power of Milan Baros the Czechs are favourites to win their second Euro Championship. But Portugal has improved with every match and with the crowd support they are capable of lifting the cup for the first time. Like other Goans who are rooting for Portugal I’ll be happy if they win.

Mathew Mergulhao: Now lets hear what the most famous Goan supporter has to say. Ever since Portugal beat England my hopes that Portugal will win the Euro soared high. I’m willing to bet my last rupee on them.

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