Goa erupted into jubilation on Sunday night as Portugal's Antonio Eder secured the winning goal in extra-time defeating France 1-0 to win the Euro 2016, their first major international football championship
Goan singer Remo D'Souza posted the picture of himself with the Portugal flag on his Facebook page
Panjim: Goa erupted into jubilation on Sunday night as Portugal's Antonio Eder secured the winning goal in extra-time defeating France 1-0 to win the Euro 2016, their first major international football championship.
Goan singer Remo D'Souza posted the picture of himself with the Portugal flag on his Facebook page
ADVERTISEMENT
Fireworks and music could be heard across most Goan streets after Portugal's win that was televised on giant screens in North and South Goa on the damp, rainy night.
Remo Fernandes, Goa's pop star, was quick to respond to Portugal's huge win. "Hail the European Champions!!!", wrote Remo on his Facebook page. The Goan star, who also done a few cameos in Bollywood, wore a Portugal sash and held aloft their flag with a victory sign.
The quality of play didn't matter for the Goan fan present in large numbers for public screenings at 49ers (Colva), Vault 18 (Panjim), Lounge Terminal (Panjim), John Seagull (Bogmalo), Café Mojo (Panjim) and Firefly (Benaulim).
Goan fans were filled with emotion after Éder's precision strike in the 109th minute, replaced the face of a tearful Cristiano Ronaldo, who was injured and had to be
substituted early in one of the biggest games of his career.
When Portugal finally grabbed their goal in extra time, all hell broke loose in Goa. Most of fans couldn't believe their favourite team had just beaten hosts France after their poster boy Ronaldo was injured and took up a position on the touchline alongwith the coach.
Ronaldo, what a pity!
"Portugal played well without Ronaldo. The team played with confidence and won," said Aluzio Fernandes, President of Navelim Veterans.
Earlier in the game, Marlon D'Souza, a real estate businessman, was a tad unsure of Portugal's chances. "France had better players and Antoine Griezmann had begun mounting attacks. But as the French continually failed to score, my hopes started to soar," said Marlon.
"I've supported Portugal from the beginning. You cannot fathom my joy to see the rise of a new football hero," said Orlando Godinho, coach of Mangor SC, referring to match-winner Éder.
The fans enjoyed every single moment of the match sipping their drinks along with some spicy Goan sea food as they soaked in the football fun on TV.
"This is a special moment for us. I am very happy with the win. The Portuguese left behind a strong football culture and now the whole world has seen their achievement," said Maurico Afonso, coach of Dempo SC.
Sunil Loran, of Baina SC said he would be celebrating with family and friends. "Portugal has been waiting for a long time to get their hands on the coveted trophy. It's carnival time in Goa," exclaimed Sunil.
"It's the best final so far Portugal have played," said Custodio Almeida, a match commissioner and referee from Cansaulim.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
