Goan fans dejected at Portugal's loss

Goan football lovers were deprived of a gala celebration after Portugal lost to Greece on Sunday.

Goan football lovers were deprived of a gala celebration after hosts Portugal lost in the finals of the Euro Cup 2004 to Greece, leaving many supporters of the state's former colonial rulers dejected and rueful.

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The mood in most of the homes was in sharp contrast to the images on television screens which showed a jubilant Greek team celebrating after their win on Sunday.

The Euro Cup matches over the last two weeks had revived a feeling of nostalgia among old-timers about the Portuguese rule in this western coastal state but yesterday's defeat proved somewhat an anti-climax to all the frenzy that was witnessed over the days.

"Goans are disappointed for sure ... If Portugal had won, there would have been dancing on the streets and celebrations throughout the night. I guess many Goans will go to work with a dejected face today," said one such fan Sigmund D'souza.

Hotels and clubs, which showed the final encounter on large screens, were packed with fans cheering their favourite team over a glass of beer, but as the result became increasingly clear, the effervescence of the fans dimmed giving way to disappointment.

"I am disappointed, but Portugal played well enough to reach the finals. I guess the element of luck was missing for them," said another fan.

But for the few, who had supported Greece, it was joy all the way and they could be seen celebrating their favourite team's success.