ON THE LATE VISITACAO LOBO.

It is with deep grief and chagrin I write these lines to express my sorrow and to highlight the greatness of one of the greatest footballers of Goa, the late Visitacao Lobo who breathed his last on Saturday, the 27th inst. Visitacao Lobo whom we used to call as Lobo was my friend and colleague at Sesa Goa when we both joined Sesa Soccer Team together in 1966 when Sesa was still in the second division in its second year and desperately wanted to enter into the first division. For this reason Sesa management recruited some of the best players one of them was Visitacao Lobo in the forward line and me in the defense line. He was recruited by Sesa as a young man for their football team with a technical job while I was engaged by Sesa only to play football as I was schooling at Arpora and since I had to complete my SSC I turned down the job offer.

Visitacao Lobo was known to me when he was schooling at Escola Technica, Mapusa.  As a footballer he joined first Saldanha of Mapusa in the second divison.  During those days Saldanha was very popular for having its Institute for coaching students in Typing-Shorthand and Book Keeping and since its owner Mr. Saldanha was a great lover of football and himself being a good player for his team he ran the team in the name of Saldanha. As a young footballer Visitacao Lobo created a mark for him in this team and immediately he was recruited as a footballer by the then famed outfit from the first division, Benfica of Mapusa. During those days playing for Benfica means a great honour for any player from Bardez because it was one of the best teams in Goa inheriting all the best soccer qualities from best of Portuguese Pakle footballers since it was dominated by Pakles.

From Benfica a first divisioner, Visitacao Lobo because of job facility joined a second divisioner Sesa Goa and contributed along with others in Sesa’s migration into the first division scoring crucial goals in crucial encounters. Within a short time Visitacao Lobo when he was exposed in the first division or senior division in Sesa Jersey, he became the darling of the soccer fans. His one hat trick at Duler ground Mapusa against the then mighty Salgaocar with mighty Sinari under their bar created a sensation in Goa taking his fame to its zenith.

He was extremely good in aerial duels near the opponents’ goalmouth and some of the best goals he scored were thru the headers. In his right leg there was extra energetic power and while releasing his right footer he would fool not only the defender in front of him but also the keeper under the bar. He would look in one direction and shoot the ball in another direction. He had abundant stamina to survive on the field in grueling atmosphere not only for 90 minutes but also for another 90 minutes more. Though he was a right footer yet he was equally at ease on his left foot as well.

He was a decent player and would not hurt his opponent with rough tackles.  I never saw him anytime anywhere receiving any Card of any colour from the match referee for any infringement. He was always cool not only on the field but even off the field.  We both played together for Sesa in many tournaments inside and outside Goa and  though I had to cut short my career prematurely due to chronic leg injury, I found he was adored everywhere  by the fans with highest admiration, especially in Kerala. Many times we both shared the same room in the Hotel where we used to stay during our soccer tours and during our conversations I always found him to be a very decent and soft spoken thorough gentleman. Before the match he would concentrate silently alone for hours without getting disturbed to bring his mental level high like Brazilian captain Dr. Socrates in 1982 World Cup.

 In Bardez, traditionally 4 villages are known to produce best of sportsmen and Parra is one of them, the other three are Candolim, Calangute and Siolim. Since Visitacao Lobo is from Parra and as disclosed by its local MLA Michael Lobo the Stadium under construction at Parra will be fittingly named after the late son of the soil Visitacao Lobo, I support MLA Michael Lobo in his decision. When this is done, this will be the second local stadium in Bardez to be named after its local hero, the first being Dr. Gustavo Monteiro Stadium in Candolim.

Visitacao Lobo according to my knowledge was the second Goan footballer to don the colours of India when he toured Soviet Russia along with Indian team in early seventies.  The first Goan to don India's colours was Salgaocar’s defender Menino Figueredo from Carmona, in mid sixties. When Visitacao Lobo represented India he was playing for Salgaocar, Goa but within a year he was brought back to Sesa with heavy demand by the top management of Sesa Goa.

In his death, Goa lost a great footballer of whose type it is very difficult to get again. He was a jewel of a man. May his soul rest in peace and may the heavenly God give courage to his family members to bear this colossal loss.

 

A.   Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel:7507394349.

 

BITING FOOTBALLER LUIS SOARES.

Football is a very physical game when while playing you are bound to lose your temper due to rough or tough physical contacts and  tackles of your opponents.  Because of rough tackle by his Italian opponent Mauro Tassoti in 1994 World Cup, a Spanish footballer broke his Nose and FIFA slapped 8 match suspension on the Italian. Earlier in this current World Cup, Cameroon midfielder Song for a similar foul on Croatian player was suspended for three games. And now comes the Biting of the shoulder of Italian defender Chiellini by the habitual biter, the Uruguyan forward Luis Soares. Earlier in 2010 when Soares was playing in Dutch League he was castigated with suspension of 7 games and then again last year when he was playing for Liverpool for similar foul play he was suspended for 10 games which was later on reduced to 3 games on his personal plea.

Traditionally South American soccer is very tough and sometimes rough too where Argentina, Uruguay and Paruguay are leading offenders.  For this reason in 1966 World Cup, Sir Alf Ramsey the Manager of English team dubbed Argentinians as beasts.

Now in this World Cup,  Soares after committing the un-footballing foul against Italian defender, FIFA punished him with a suspension of 9 matches plus 4 months of no soccer activity.  It was just the right sentence imposed by FIFA on Luis Soares though he merits harsher punishment because he is endangering the life of his opponents.  Such players are not meant to play soccer which is governed by decent rules which every player must abide.

After his second suspension under Liverpool he vowed in front of both his kids that he will desist from repeating biting incidents but again he was tempted because it is  in his blood to act thus.  According to psychologists who studied his behavior they said his actions reflect his very poor upbringing like a vagabond just as Maradona was brought up in the ghettoes  in Argentina without proper parental care and basic home discipline.  Because of this Maradona got afflicted with vices and destroyed his lucrative life.

Coming back to Luis Soares, he was born in a big  family of 7 children in a poverty stricken atmosphere where his poor parents could not control him and thus he was brought up and developed like a ruffian without basic discipline.

In his absence, yesterday Uruguay lost to Columbia though they said they will request FIFA to allow him to play for this match. In 1962 World Cup, at the crucial stage for the final, Brazil had to play this important match without their star forward Garincha who was slapped with one match suspension.  Since Pele was on injured list, not only Brazilian Football Federation appealed to FIFA to lift this suspension but even the head of the country the President of Brazil did so and surprisingly FIFA relented and allowed Garincha to play in the final and Brazil came out victorious.

 

A.    Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim,
Goa.

 

WORLD CUP 2014 - PHASE - I.

The first phase of the World Cup has just been completed in one fortnight in which 16 teams have been eliminated and the remaining 16 teams will be vying for the supremacy of this mighty soccer tournament. Never in the past this tournament received such a mighty attention from all segments of the society all over the world. During the last fortnight people around were talking of and even inhaling World Cup only and because of the craze to watch the matches even the late night matches soccer crazy people kept aside their routine obligations.  This was visible in the absenteeism from work, from classes, from Churches early in the mornings and so on and on. In Mapusa  Market one could easily notice less number of shoppers and customers in the mornings following the important encounters on the previous late nights.

 

 

Though our Indian national team was not in the list of 32 and possibly it will never be till the end of this century unless there is a total change in our soccer administration from top to bottom yet Indians supported their different teams as per their likes thereby making this tourney more important than the Cricket. Among Goans Ronaldo’s Portugal receved major attention not because of any other reason than the magical display of Ronaldo of which type no other footballer displays, not even mighty Messi. One Ronaldo has attracted the goodwill and love for Portugal just as one Eusebio did earlier. One Messi attracted the love of millions towards Argentina just as Maradona did earlier. 

 

  

It s not only the elegance of the team but more than that the brilliance of the individual player of the team that gains goodwill and support not only for the national team concerned but also for the concerned nation and its national products as well.  Because of one Pele the country Brazil and its citizens gained lot of goodwill from all around the globe making Brazil as the darling of the world. Not only this, because of the attraction of Pele, following their retaining of Jules Rimet World Cup permanently in 1970, the Brazilian products started selling like hot cakes in many parts of the world.  And as a matter of interest, in the Gulf the sale of Brazilian VW Beetle Cars increased in leaps and bounds. 

 

 

Somebody recently said that we in Goa should not sing hosannas in support of Portugal. I question him why and who are you to dictate terms to us? I will shower praises even on the enemy team if it deserves praises as I did once in Kuwait by writing in the local Daily there in praise of Pakistani Cricket team, of course deservingly and to the chagrin of some of the super patriotic Bharatis who even passed nasty comments against me calling me a pro-Pakistani.

 

 

To appreciate and judge rightly one must possess right frame of mind and judicious observation. Though Portugal ruled 451 years over Goa that does not mean we should treat Portugal as our enemy. Thru their lengthy rule over us we also gained lot of good from them. That they were evicted from Goa in 1961 by force is a different matter otherwise in 1974 Portugal would automatically leave from Goa on its own free will as it did from their African colonies after the fall of Salazarist regime in Portugal headed by Marcelo Caetano. We should consider Salazar and Goan Brahmin Bhattkars as our worst enemies who kept us in Goa in subjucation.

 

Good luck to all the remaining 16 teams.

 

 

     A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim,

Goa.

 

" TE SANDDLEAT ".

 

Since I returned from Kuwait for good, it is 6 months now.  During this period with a Lantern in my hand I was moving all around Goa during day time when the Sun was directly overhead, in search of top ex Kuwait Goans who were boasting of their top money power, top job power, top business power, top social power and everything top. In reality they were top in Kuwait and because they were top they were acting like Goan Maharajas in Kuwait among the idiot Goans since they were like one eyed Goans among the blind Goans. Overwhelming majority of Goans in Kuwait is like one eyed men though they may think otherwise. Good that in Kuwait in reality the holders of Indian Passports are treated with disdain and without much respect otherwise the so called top Goans in Kuwait would even wear the robes of Sheikhs and act as feudal lords.

Where are these so called top Kuwait Goans gone now?  Are they gone underground for fear of reprisal by their opponents whom they treated badly in Kuwait?  Are they feeling shy now in Goa for being non entities and as such they are hiding from public view being unable to accept the status of non entities? Where are all those Goans who were holding executive posts in their boastful social and sporting associations gone now in Goa?  Why their show making photos are not appearing in the local dailies as they were appearing in Kuwait? Why they cannot involve in the activities in Goa as they used to do in Kuwait?

Where are those so called top Goans holding top positions in Kuwait and also boasting of same as if they reached to the Moon on top?  I don’t encounter any of them anywhere in Goa in public forums where I am involving since I returned for good.  By chance recently I met one of such cheap characters in Panjim and after exchanging some pleasantries he invited me to his place by describing his location with pompous address saying: “Next to the Church there is my big posh Bungalow of 3 Storey and on the ground floor you will see parked there my Red Mercedes Car”.  Then he went further saying: “You come on Sunday for a Lunch with your wife because we prepare Buffet on every Sunday since I have a special cook whom I pay handsomely every month”.   

This man is a son of a Pedru inheriting all the cheap qualities of his father craving for importance in life and that it is so one can know from the way he gave me his invitation. In fact it was not an invitation but the show of his wealth which he acquired from Kuwait not only thru fair means but also thru unfair means. When he was in Kuwait he was boasting of his Supervisory job which used to fetch him handsome salary though it was the job meant for an idiot in Goa.  In Kuwait to get a handsome job you need to have luck or influence or “chamchagiri” and not necessarily educational and professional background.

Because of being unwanted and unrecognized in Goa many of our ex-Kuwait Goans are undergoing mental crisis, they feel hurt to accept the fact that nobody cares them in Goa inspite of having so much of money.  But they fail to realise that the money they have is big for them only because when they went to Kuwait they were suffering from abject poverty.  During those days their poverty was such that they could not taste Chicken, Pomfrets and Lobsters which finally they tasted only in Kuwait.  Once they reached Kuwait and made some money they thought the world should come to their knees but the real reality in life they realized only when they came back to Goa for good where nobody cares for them. Some of them to get cheap prominence have joined the Church groups otherwise they are not interested in God.

For this reason, many of them are hiding from advanced society where money power is not counted but only the intellectual power. The cheap prominence our Goan stalwarts were getting in Kuwait must be treated as a dream gone forever especially for those who were boasting of their presidency of Goan associations and managerial and supervisory positions. The importance they got in life in Kuwait they will never get again in Goa and precisely because of this they are lost in Goa.  Yes, “Te Sanddleat”.

 

A.    Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim,
Goa.  

        

                                                                  

DESERVINGLY CONGRESS WAS DISGRACED.

This is the first time in the history of Congress Party that it received such a humiliating defeat in the last Parliamentary election forcing it to take inventory of this defeat.  In Goa first time it lost the South Goa Seat and elsewhere in the North its normal vote bank was reduced tremendously.  In my locality getting 103 votes more than that of BJP is like Peanuts and in fact in reality it is like a big defeat. Ravi Naik is accused by the party's Goa High command a few days back of clandestinely  working against his own self and if one analysis this point carefully there seems to be a truth in it because in my locality Congress has failed to distribute the voting slips to all the voters including some of the hard core Congressmen.

The inventory may or may not give the correct result but the right reason for the defeat of Congress in Goa was the Pride, Arrogance and Revengeful attitude of the elected Congressmen. What I noticed in many of them was nothing but Pride of power which had gone into their heads when they were ruling Goa. This was the main reason for Congress to lose the Goa Legislative Assembly election 2 years back. Almost every Congress MLA and Minister was acting like a feudal lord refusing to identify himself with the common man. The elected Congress representatives of Goa wore the mettle of Maharajas to such an extent that some of them even refused to walk on the same path as common men walked as if common men are untouchables. These elected Congress representatives behaved not as the worldly creatures but creatures from the outer space. Good that they were finished in the election contest otherwise they would finish all the common men from Goa.

Why they acted so proud and arrogant?  Because they suffered from ancestral inferiority complex having been born in the suppressed atmosphere and brought up under the suppression of their Landlords or elders who always treated them and their parents with disdain. When I noticed any elected representative acting proud I immediately deduce my conclusion that this person is suffering from ancestral inferiority complex where he or his parents or grandparents were treated like slaves and the anger of it he releases on to others and that too only when he gets legislative power in his hands.  Only the cowards act in this manner and the sons and daughters or grand children of Ladru - Pedru.

In fact this power is not for harassing people but to help them to solve their problems but ironically the elected Congressmen did just the opposite thereby forcing the harassed people to throw out all the proud and arrogant sitting MLA’s of Congress Party.

John Fernandes and other Congress leaders in Goa must take note of what I said. Congressmen have acquired the very bad habit of wearing the robes of monarchs inherited from the British Monarchy and also of Maharajas inherited from them when they were stripped of their privileges. I see many of such former Congress Maharajas are feeling shy now to move freely and openly since they are kicked out by the voters. They stopped now using foreign brand cars, high breed prostitutes, high class concubines and even high grade foreign liquors. Some of them are now moving without security escorts and yet nobody touches them while earlier they wanted Police escorts even to go to the Toilets. The security escort is like status symbol for the elected representatives and not to protect them. Where is this security gone now for the former Congress Maharajas?

If Congress is to revive its sagging image once again then it must retire all the vanquished MLA’s  because they with their pride, arrogance and vindictive nature created a very bad image of Congress Party in Goa.  Congress Party must hunt for the fresh blood for the next election and not rely on Aya Rams and Gaya Rams who change their parties as and when they think it is good for their personal benefit. Only the genuine Congressmen with their genuine faithfulness to Congress should be given party tickets to contest the next election. Otherwise Congress will be wiped out from our soil. John Fernandes and others who  are controlling Congress Goa Command must take note of this.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim,
Goa.

 

 

R.I.P. SPAIN.

With their loss yesterday with the underdog Chile, the European might of the otherwise mighty Spain was nicely “chillifried” by the South American  Chile. With their exit from this World Cup 2014, the era of Tika – Taka soccer also came to an end.  However Spain’s credit for ruling the World Soccer for 6 years should not be denied to them since during this period they have dazzled the world with their best entertaining soccer.

In this tournament they have greatly missed the services of their great defender Pulloy who protected their citadel excellently. A mighty defender played mighty game against any mighty opponents to gain mighty victory for his mighty team even if necessary by scoring mighty goals thru his mighty headers.  

The other main reason for their poor show in this tournament was lack of dedication and enthusiasm to win by not playing an aggressive and constructive foot-ball.  When they took up their positions to play the body language of their players showed they lacked previous dedication and this normally happens when you rule the World for a long period. Their skipper and custodian Casillas lost his earlier reflexes and  concentration, defender Sergio Ramos slowed down a bit to play at high level, their earlier passing system with accuracy was found missing.  In their midfield there was no maestro to orchestrate the attack and in their forward line there was no push required to win the World Cup.

Though they are finished in the first round itself yet they will be remembered for having played wonderful soccer during the last 6 years.

 

A.    Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel: 7507394349.

 

KRANTI DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR GOAN GIRL MISS ALMEIDA.

Further to the Press Release published in this forum yesterday from Goa Su'Raj Party, I have to add further as below:

 

 

 

 Goa-kranti strongly support the NRI girl student Miss Almeida for MBBS seat and demand true justice to the Goan girl from all concerned including from CM Parrikar.

 

Goa-kranti also strongly support Goa Su'Raj Party in its fight against injustice done to our Goan girl.  In fact it is the duty of every true Goan to raise his/her voice in support of Miss Almeida otherwise it will be like "AIZ MAKAM - FALEAM TUKAM" 

 

If at this moment Gulf returnees had been united under one umbrella in Goa just as Seamen, we would be in a better position to take up this issue with more force with the concerned authorities. Still there is time to do the needful and everything is not finished yet.

 

We only will have to fight our battle to protect our interest and issues like this pertaining to NRI Goans will have to be raised during the time of next election with the concerned candidates and the CM. 

 

Two years are finished and within no time the remaining term will come to an end. At that time this issue should be kept as fresh as it is now. So, Gulf Returnees it is time now for you to think hard on the formation of your union.

 

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim,

Goa.

INJUSTICE DONE TO A NRI GOAN STUDENT.

GSRP Press Release for kind favour of publicatio​n floriano.lobo@gmail.com Jun 16 (2 days ago)   MBBS Seat Allocation a Money-Making Racket alleges GSRPGoa Su-Raj Party (GSRP) has alleged that the Ministry of Education & Directorate of Technical Education are willfully and deliberately toying with careers of NRI-Goan students in return for personal gratification and favors. Bringing to fore the case of Charmaine Melrose Almeida who lost out on the MBBS seat allocation to study to become a doctor at the Goa Medical College, Goa Su-Raj Party, Secretary & President (Youth Affairs) explained, "In the first Degree Eligibility List made public by the DTE, Charmaine Melrose Almeida is given eligibility in two categories as an NRI and Goan Native (Goan Native being one whose parent/grand parent is born in Goa). Another candidate Lakshmi Sanjaykumar Nikam in the Degree Eligibility List is shown only as an NRI. However in the Final Degree Admission Merit List Charmaine Melrose Almeida is placed third, while Lakshmi Sanjaykumar Nikam is placed second in the two available seat-quote for the NRI-Goan Native, thereby now having to opt for a Non-MBBS course." Rodrigues further elaborated, "We put forward an appeal to both the Chief Minister & Deputy Chief Minister of. Goa, but we and the girl's family have till now received a cold-shoulder and a non-interest in the issue. In fact when the girl's mother met with the Deputy CM he told her to consider Manipal Hospital MBBS Courses by paying Rs 25lacs and he questioned her on why they wanted to put their daughter in Goa, they should take Portuguese Citizenship." Goa Su-Raj Party representatives & family along with girl met with the Director of Directorate of Technical Education (DTE). "When showed the Director the errors of the candidate Lakshmi Sanjaykumar Nikam, he retorted by saying her grandmother is of Goan origin. But when questioned as to why it does not appear on the Degree Eligibility List, he answered saying that 'sometimes parents make errors and we guide them to fill the application form even after the Degree Eligibility List is out. To which we brought to his attention Rules of Admission in the prospectus Section 4.09 wherein it states  'no change after last date of submission of application form is permissible'. The director replied back with an even more shocking reply stating, "you cannot be a stickler to every single rule and went on to explain that though the day Mark-Sheet date of submission is 24th, CBSE only gave the Mark-Sheet to students on 26th, we cannot follow every rule". Rodrigues expressed,  "Our conversation with the Director of DTE and the cold-shoulder received from the government indicates that there appears to be a foul-play in action to deny the genuine NRI-Goan native an MBBS seat. We have learned from a colleague of the girl who studied with Lakshmi Sanjaykumar Nikam and is No 4 on the Degree Merit List that the girl always claimed to be a Maharashtrian and never a Goan. It clearly indicates that some have received a gratification to give this candidate a benefit and we demand an investigation from the government. We along with the family will also be going to Court on the issue to bring a stay on the admission process." For further details Savio Rodrigues Secretary & President (Youth Affairs) Goa Su-Raj Party Sent on my BlackBerry® from V Savio Rodrigues Managing Partner 31 Jumpstreet 602/3 Ravora Vado, Navelim Salcete, Goa, India - 403707 Mobile - 0091976447313odafone         KRANTI'S NOTE: Goa-kranti strongly support the NRI girl student Miss Almeida for MBBS seat and demand true justice to the Goan girl from all concerned including from CM Parrikar.   Goa-kranti also strongly support Goa Su'Raj Party in its fight against injustice done to our Goan girl.  In fact it is the duty of every true Goan to raise his/her voice in support of Miss Almeida otherwise it will be like "AIZ MAKAM - FALEAM TUKAM"

PORTUGUESE FOOTBALLER PEPE IS A “BURRO”.

Much of the beauty of Portuguese soccer and glitter of the prestigious World Cup 2014 was destroyed by the “BURRO” defender of the otherwise renowned Portuguese soccer team yesterday when he head butted one of the forwards of Germany.  It was unnecessary and unwanted yet the frequent performer of such dirty tactics Pepe made the great blunder of his soccer career and thus destroyed the beautiful image of Portugal from whom spectators and TV viewers were expecting a lot.  In the bargain the great Ronaldo also suffered in the sense he was totally demoralized when Pepe was red carded, of course rightly.   

Even though he was demoralized and shaken as a skipper yet he displayed his skill of dribbling the ball with cross legs and feeding his colleagues with accurate passes.  Pepe had no business to lose his temper.  By doing so he destroyed himself first and secondly he destroyed the chances of his team of smooth sailing. Like Cricketters he too should be fined heavily as a deterrent for others too.

Germany deserved to be the winners because their soccer was more disciplined and organized while Portuguese were more erratic and aimless. Thomas Mueller’s hat-trick which is the first one of this tournament was excellent but the best goal of the match was the one scored thru a piercing header by their forward Hummels.

Once again I condemn Pepe who let his team down because of his hot temper.  Such hot tempered players should not be fielded by their coaches.  It is an undeniable fact that Pepe is a great defender but his lack of discipline on the field clouded his plus points as a foot-balller. In his absence and one man down Portuguese could not do much and that they received only 4 goals withut any reply was a big consolation. But in the history of Portuguese soccer Pepe will be remembered as a ‘BURRO”.

 

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Goa.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            

WELL PLAYED THE NETHERLANDS.

Never in the history of FIFA World Cup the defending champions received such a humiliating defeat as Spain did today and as shown live in TV at 12.30 in Goa.  It was not an ordinary defeat but a real massacre where the normal might of Spain as seen during the last 8 years was totally liquidated by the excellence of the Netherlands. 

 

 

During the first half especially after scoring their goal thru penalty kick by their defender Alonso it looked Spain will easily carry the day and in fact the way they were playing it was proving that they were underestimating their opponents. Their moves and actions on the field showing that they were sure to defeat the Netherlands as they did 4 years back in the last World Cup final.   But since last final and now there is lot of change in the Netherlands and that it is so they proved it in this encounter by defeating the reigning champions with a margin of 5-1 goals.

The penalty awarded to Spain by the Italian referee was absolutely right and  Alonso was also right in hitting it so hard otherwise Dutch keeper would save it easily since he dived in the same corner as the ball entered the net. But the equaliser scored by Persee thru the well measured header was extremely beautiful beating the world best keeper Cassilas under Spanish bar.  In fact Cassilas such an experienced and expert keeper was totally at a loss standing still like a monument watching the ball going into his net over him.  Such a mighty keeper otherwise it was a pity to see him thus turning himself into a monument.

The other 4 goals scored by Robben 2, Persee 1 again and by Stephan Vrij were all exceptionally great.  The second goal of Persee by snatching the ball from Cassilas due to silly mistake of Cassilas to clear the ball in time was fantastic one and the other one scored by Robben by dribbling past two defenders and Cassilas as well was an extra ordinary feat of his sprinting prowess. He, Persee and Schneider in the midfield have totally changed the game in the second half with their intelligent moves and with short passing. Finally it was a pity to see Spain surrendering  so easily their normal might to the clever play makers of the Netherlands.

The first match between Cameroun and Mexico did not create much excitement as the second one but the winners Mexico were the deserving winners and winnining goal scored by their forward Peralta was worth admiring.  Rogoer Millal’s Cameroun was expected to create an upset but they lacked Roger Milla's skill in their rank and for this reason they lost.

I did not watch the third match.

 

A.    Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.  

WELL DONE BRAZIL.

Well done Brazil.  It was deserving victory against Croatia in the inaugural match of the World Cup tournament at Sao Paolo in Brazil.  It was shown on TV in Goa at 1.30 AM today 13^th of this month.

Full marks for Neymar’s performance of which type I have not seen when he plays for Barelona.  In this match his ball control was superb, dribbling was fantastic and passing the ball was accurate. Though his first goal was not very powerful left footer yet it was very accurate from outside the box that totally fooled the Croatian goalie.  In the second goal he teaches a very good lesson for the penalty takers how to shoot it, that means very hard giving no chance for the keeper to save it even though goalie may put his hand for the ball as it was done by Croatian keeper. It was a right decision by the Japanese Referee to give the penalty as Croatian defender clearly pulled the Brazilian forward in the Box. The third goal scored by their youngster Oscar was just a class by itself. He did just the right thing by hitting the ball with his toe without wasting any more time otherwise it would have been difficult. The self goal scored by the Brazilian defender was his real unavoidable mistake though such mistakes are not acceptable from world class defenders.

As a whole both the teams played aggressive soccer in which Brazil dominated the proceedings and even missed more scoring chances. Brazilian keeper Julio Ceasar played well.  Brazilian counter attacks were very piercing. With this victory Brazil will go on improving their performance match by match. Their accuracy in short passing even near their goalmouth was pleasure to watch.

Being a new country born from the split of Yugoslavia when Yugoslavia was balkanized in the aftermath of the collapse of Communism in Europe in early Nineties, Croatia has been doing lot of development in soccer. They have innumerable foot-ball Academies to coach young boys from the very early age and this programme helps Croatia to develop its soccer on scientific basis.

Capt. Paul D’Souza from Candolim, Pintos Vaddo, in early Nineties when his Ship docked in one of the Ports in Croatia, visited one of his friends there who while wishing him bi-bi said that “he wants to take his son now for training to the foot-ball Academy”.  When Capt. Paul D’Souza asked his friend how old is your son? Came the reply saying “Three and Half”. From here one can know why these countries in Europe are doing extremely well in foot-ball. It is the scientific  training methods from the very early age. Can’t we in Goa emulate their example to produce Peles, Maradonas, Ronaldos and Messis by establishing soccer Academies in every locality?

 

A.    Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
7507394349.   

FOOT-BALL WORLD CUP 2014.

In another 24 hours, the great sporting show of FIFA World Cup 2014 will begin in Brazil.  This is the second time  Brazil is hosting the tournament, earlier it was in 1950.   Brazil is the only country that participated in every tournament since the inception year in 1930 in Uruguay when the host country won the inaugural tournament by defeating its South American neighbor Argentina. So far Brazil is the only country that won the World Cup 5 times.  Brazil along with Italy had unique distinction of winning the World Cup consecutively twice in 1958 and 1962 just as Italy in 1934 and 1938. However, because of the last World War II, World Cup tournament was not held in 1942 and 1946.

Jules Rimet a great lover of soccer from France was instrumental in taking the initiative to begin this tournament in 1930 in Uruguay and actual decision for this was taken just a year earlier, that is, in 1929 while now it takes about 10 years to decide and allot the slot for the host country.

In the beginning till 1978 it was the tournament of 16 countries but from 1982 the number of participating countries increased to 24 and currently it reached to 32 counties. No doubt, by increasing the number of participating teams FIFA has given opportunities to more countries especially from Asia and Africa to take part in this competition but on the other hand the quality of soccer was sacrificed. When teams were less the quality and standard of soccer was very high.

In the history of soccer Brazilian Revelino had the distinction of scoring the fastest goal in 14 seconds in Brazil at Club level but will this record be broken by anyone in Brazil? Let us wait and see.  In the history of World Cup Soccer, Frenchman Just Fontaine carry the unique distinction of scoring the highest number of goals, that is, 13 in one single tournament and this feat he achieved in 1958 in Sweden.  Is there any chance for any Ronaldos, Messis and Neymars to shatter this record?  I doubt very much.

Though the inaugural match of this edition will be played on 12^th of this month but it will be beamed in Goa on 13^th because of the time difference. Even then what guaranty is there we in Goa will get the opportunity to see this match live and other matches too uninterrupted due to electrical power disruption and Cable operation disruption as well?  As it is these disruptions are very frequent and nobody bothers to rectify this malady and yet India boasts of its atomic prowess. The other Atomic powers are doing wonders and we in India are lacking in so many amenities inspite of our technological advancement.

Will Brazil win this Cup for the 6th time?  I doubt very much, firstly because if history repeats itself then there is no chance for Brazil to win this Cup on its soil and secondly because Brazil does not possess great players in its team capable of winning the World Cup. One Neymar is not capable to win the Cup for Brazil and he does not fall into the category of greats of the type Brazil had in the past.   

Can Portugal win this Cup? Again one Ronaldo is not sufficient enough to win the Cup even though he will entertain the world with his skillful play especially in the aerial duels and in dribbling. He lacks the killing instinct of his former compatriot Eusebio.

Will Messi's Argentina create an upset? Not at all because they rely too much on Messi who no doubt a great player but only at Club level. He is not Maradona to win the Cup single handedly.

Spain stands very good chance to re-emerge victorious since their team is intact and still in very good form, only defender Puyol is missing.

Germany also is capable of creating last minute upset.

Asian and African teams stand remote chances to move ahead.  However, the actual forecast can be done only after the first round. Till then, all the best to all the teams.

 

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO CANDOLIM SOCCER TEAM.

 

In the final match of the soccer tournament at Poriat Ground, Calangute, organized by Calangute Association, on Sunday 8^th of this month, Candolim defeated Calangute in a Tie-breaker when both the  teams played a goalless draw during the normal time.  Though Calangute had an upper hand to clinch the glittering Rolling Trophy yet it was Candolim that won the day in the final watched by lot of spectators mainly from both the villages and also from the neighboring villages. Though it was a competitive clash between the two neighbours yet it was played in a very friendly atmosphere where even the spectators showed their friendly nature. The final score was 4-2. The chief guest of the day was MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco and guest of honour Ms Pascoala Fernandes – the village Sarpanch. As special invitees among others present were local Pe. Vigar Fr. Cypriano D’Silva, Joseph Sequeira ex Sarpanch and others. The winners were awarded with the Trophy and cash prize of Rs. 40,000/- while the runners-up with Rs. 30,000/-.

This tournament for the second year consequently was sponsored by Hotel Goan Heritage – Calangute.

 

Seen are both the teams to be introduced to the guests

 

During those good old days when both the neighbours played there was lot of excitement in the game as those players had class in them having mastery in accurate passing, shooting, running and controlling the ball. During those days players from both the teams made use of their brain power more than foot power. Besides they had physical stature befitting their class of soccer.

On Sunday in the final there was no acrobatic goalkeeper Peter Gomes under the bar of Calangute goal, so also there was no gigantic defender like Joshe to man the defence line of Calangute, neither there was no midfield maestro Bhaskar to orchestrate their midfield. In their forward line Calangute lacked the genius of Eustaqio, Alex Coutinho and Paklu. In fact Eustaqio was such an excellent sharp shooter that he was scoring goals even direct from the corner kicks thru his right leg.  All these yesteryears players of Calangute were not only the great footballers who brought name and fame for their village but they were Calangute legends whose memory will not easily relinquish from my mind. I played against them and experienced the beauty of their soccer skill.

About Candolim, there was no Razo under their bar nor defender Andrew Machado and Ladru to repel the opponents attacks successfully.  In their half line there was no Jose Marie, no Madhu, no Kamal who were not only playing football but like magicians entertaining the spectators with the ball on their feet and also in aerial duels where Jose Marie was exceptionally talented of whose type you cannot see now. He had his genius in scoring goals thru header from the corner kicks.  In their forward line there was none to compare the indomitable duo of strikers Cheddo whose power packed right footers were just a thriller and Babazinho Machado whose dribbling power was just unmatchable.  All these whose names I mentioned can be easily called the Candolim legends on whose feet on soccer ground the name and honour of Candolim revolved.

 

                                        Seen are the winners with Trophy & guests after the final
                                        

Quality wise from what I saw in this final and that too after a long gap in Goa, the standard of football in our locality is very poor and this has to be raised by hiring good coaches and by establishing football academies in both the villages to develop the performance of the boys. These academies must focus their attention on very young boys by imparting them with necessary skills.  To do this the finance can be collected from the hoteliers from the localities. As it is this time Hotel Goan Heritage gave Rupees Two Lakhs.  There are so many big hotels in Candolim and Calangute and they should be approached by the local authorities to contribute for the establishment of the soccer academies. We have heard how elsewhere Hoteliers were pushed to sponsor the top footballers.  The hoteliers from Calangute and Candolim are duty bound to support local projects for the development of the localities. In our localities they make lot of money and as such they must be made to share their profit with the localities.

Now, the ball is in the court of sports authorities of Calagute and Candolim. They must make the first move.

 

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

 

CHURCH ACTIVITIES DISTURB PEACE IN FAMILIES.

A few years back one Goan priest in Kuwait from Carmelite Order told me how dangerous it is to send females, in single, to Kerala for Potta Retreat because some of them due to their weakness, in the name of God’s love get mesmerized and remain there only for long time even leaving their family members including their own children back at home.  And on top of it they cite an excuse for their irresponsible behavior saying “we want to serve God by being in Kerala at Potta”. One husband of one of the ladies who thus got magnetised at Potta when he failed to convince his wife to return back home to fulfill her obligation of a wife and of a mother of small school going children finally approached one of the priests there but he too failed him saying “don’t stop her from serving the Lord”.

According to that Carmelite Goan priest, females are weak and can easily fall prey to the command of the priests who are more intelligent, more cunning and more smart having more convincing power. Secondly, women by virtue of being women are soft in mind and heart and being so they easily succumb to the wishes of the priests whom many a time they treat as Godly figures and hence their surrender to the wishes of the priests, even wicked wishes. Thirdly many of the faithful involved in serving the Church activities including Parish Council are either intellectually or socially or educationally bankrupt and for such people Church forum is a good opportunity to gain cheap prominence otherwise as they are they will remain into the bracket of Hoi Polloi only as discarded creatures in society. Some of these persons are very sinful, night time having extra marital sex and early in the morning like saintly figures distribute the Holy Communion in the Church, sometime in connivance with the local Pe. Vigars who do not mind this as long as he gets his quota.

Parish Council is a new phenomenon in Goa, earlier it did not exist and yet everything was functioning well.  Majority of the members of Parish Council is females because according to one Pe. Vigar females are easily bendable either for God’s wish or for satanic wish, as per the wishes of the head priest of Parish Council who many times is exploitative in nature to suit his non-spiritual desires. Hence, the preference for more females.

According to the feedback I got, many of the Pe. Vigars are exploiting the kindness and softness of the female members of the Parish Council by burdening them with excess of work beyond their capacity even to the extent of incurring into unnecessary expenses to the concerned members.  One Pe. Vigar recently organized a function for the parishioners where he advised the members of the Parish Council to prepare at their homes different types of dishes to distribute to the attendees by charging them certain amount which finally goes into the pocket of the Pe. Vigar in the name of the Church funds. This is something satanic practice because it puts the PC members and their husbands and parents too into unnecessary expenses which is wrong and against the doctrine of Christianity which forbids financial exploitation. Even the current Pope Francis is against financial exploitation by the Church leaders such as Pe. Vigars. 

In view of what I said above, the Bishop of Goa, the Vatican Representative in India and all the Catholic Associations existing in India should investigate this matter and put an end to the Church activities detrimental to the uprightness of the faithful.  Even the Church organized Picnics and long distance tours should be stopped because these are the occasions for the spread of sins in the name of Church activities.  As it is there are rumours spread of some ill doings during the long distance tours conducted by some Churches in Goa.  Because of such activities peace in many families is disturbed.  Who is responsible for this?  Are not the corrupt Pe. Vigars who preach one thing from the Altar and do something else? By vomiting venom in an un-Christian manner from the Holy Altar they have spoiled its sanctity.  These Pe. Vigars are the Satanic agents even though they wear the robes of Christ. 

 

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

 

EXCELLENT NEW TIATRO OF PAL SOARES.

 

NEW  TIATRO  “ATAM TORI  MHAKA  SONDHI  DHIAT  !!!” BY PAL SAORES.

 

Seen in a scene above: Antush-Annie-Chari  

 

On 4^th of this month, Wednesday, I saw the new Tiatro “ATAM TORI MHAKA SONDHI DHIAT!!!” written and directed by Pal Soares.  It was the first inaugural show staged at Pai Tiatrist A/C Hall, Margao, starting at 3.45 pm.  

 

Seen above singing a duo: Saby de Divar & Benny

 

Though it was thinly attended being the first Show yet those who failed to see this Show they missed something great normally not shown by the normal directors. Maximum marks goes to Pal Soares for staging such an excellent Tiatro rich in script, proverbs, dialogs, duologues,  language and philosophical statements. This is the first time I see the Tiatro of Pal Soares though according to many Tiatro lovers all his earlier Tiatros were worth admiring just as this one.  

Seen above Any Quadros singing her solo.

 

Though the script was great but its greatness was brought to the greater height reaching to its  crescendo by the three main seasoned artistes namely Antush, Chari and Annie Quadros all of whom have really captured the hearts of the audience by the display of their superb acting of which type I rarely seen earlier. Director deserves maximum credit for entrusting this task to them very appropriately. 

 

Seen above in a scene: Antush-Crostina -Annie

 

 Antush played the role of the father while Chari of the son and the Pearl of Konkani Stage Annie Quadros played the role of the mother, though her dress code wearing rich Sarees at home looked a bit inappropriate.  

 

Cielo singing his solo.

 

The story of the tiatro is very relevant to the current happenings among Goans when our young men go to the West and settle down there with marriages there only.  It contains lot of meaning and information for the new generations aspiring to settle down in the West. To get better knowledge of the story, one must not miss seeing this Tiatro which will be repeated in the same hall on  15^th of this month at 7.30 pm and also in other places.

 

Seen in above scene: Pal Soares-Antush-Chari-Annie.

  

The other artistes who did justice for their roles were Crostina, Babby Gezel, and Anrew.

The comedy part of this Tiatro was handled by Sally, Crosty, Dr. Cyril and Betty

  

 

Saby de Divar singing his solo.

 

In the side show songs the solos rendered by Marcos Vaz, Antush, Annie Quadros, Cielo, Menino Mario, Benny  and Felix de Divar were worth admiring.

 

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.