Football fever

Humayun Faridee

I am a sports buff. Be it cricket or football, I'm very enthusiastic. Billions around the world love football; Bangladeshis are equally taken with it. To me, football is synonymous with Argentina. This doesn't mean there is no other good team. Which ever team makes it to the World Cup, does so because of its merits. Every team wants to be the champion but the crowning glory belongs to one. If Argentina wins this World Cup, there'll be a flood of joy. I plan to watch each match. I want Maradona and Messi's team to be in the final. If it's between Argentina and any of the African teams, I'd enjoy it more.

Afzal Hossain

I'm not a blind supporter of any football team. World Cup comes every four years. Supporters buy flags, jerseys and make plans centring this event. I prefer Brazil and Argentina -- both teams. I hope both will get to the final. It will make the match exciting.

Afsana Mimi

Like everyone else in Bangladesh, I'm keen on football. In between direction, I get into chatting about football with my crew. As the World Cup 2010 starts, you can't help but think about it all the time. This also takes me back to childhood. At Syed maholla (neighbourhood) in Bagerhat, my maternal grandparents' home, I used to play football in the rain with the boys. Good old days! I can't play football any more; watching it is the next best thing. I'll watch the games at home and at work. The days we have shooting, I'll try to wrap it up by evening. I'll watch the games with my near and dear ones. I'm hoping Brazil will play well. Fortune seems to favour the team. I want Brazil and Portugal to duke it out at the final.

Azizul Hakim

I'm a supporter of the German team; have been a long-time follower of them. This World Cup won't be any different. My wife Zinat however supports Germany's rival Argentina. Our daughter also supports her mother's favourite team. They've already hoisted the Argentine flag at home. I however, haven't put up a German flag. I used to play football in Dhaka League, so you can imagine how much I'm into this sport. I want to watch every match and will try to keep the day free when Germany plays. If I have shooting, I'll ask the director and come home early. I don't care who else is in the final, as long as Germany is in it. Some game-related racket between my wife, daughter and me is to be expected.

Zahid Hasan

World Cup fever has caught on at my home. I'm a supporter of Argentina. Brazil is the land of Pelé, who is my favourite football player. My wife Sadia Islam Mou is also a supporter of the Argentine team. Our son is too young and says he wants to watch “Braziltina” play. His innocent excitement and interest makes me nostalgic. As a youngster I used to play football in my native Sirajganj. My daughter Pushpita supports the Brazilian team. We want to watch the games together. To me, it seems like an Argentina vs Brazil is possible.

Mahfuz

Well Brazil has to win the World Cup! If not then it will be very upsetting for me. I have already bought a jersey that I plan to wear during the games -- to wish Brazil luck. I'm looking forward to the semi-finals featuring the archrivals Brazil and Argentina. But I won't be disheartened if Lionel Messi gets the best player award. Argentina is also in top form and the fans expect a lot from them too. Even if Brazil faces Ivory Coast in the final, it would be equally interesting. Though I am extremely busy with the shooting of “Choita Pagol,” most of the crew and cast are eyeing the games to start and are planning ahead not to miss any of the games. It would be a month full of excitement, upsets and enthusiasm where the football giants would face each other. I get nostalgic when I recall my childhood days in Noakhali, when we used to play football in the rain and sun with equal enthusiasm.

Tania

Like all other football fans across the globe, our entire family is waiting in bated breath for the World Cup to kick off. We are all Argentina supporters and have already hoisted a huge flag atop our house. My son has bought a jersey and a football too. It would be fun to watch the two top favourites Argentina and Brazil fight it out in the finals. With players like Lionel Messi, and Maradona as their coach, I'm hopeful about Argentina winning the cup.

Ferdous

Football is the sport I'm keen on. This game is very popular in our country. When the World Cup starts, Dhaka wears a festive look. I enjoy the joyful atmosphere. I am a blind supporter of Argentina and Maradona is my favourite player of all times. I think Messi will be the best player this year and Argentina will win the cup. I will also be happy if any African country makes it to the final. But Brazil will not make it to the final.