Reportage
In Cochin, "capital of Indian football", the World Cup thrilled like never before
Argentina supporters delivered after the penalty shootout.
Sunday December 18, 2022, in Cochin.
© Côme Bastin / RFI
Text by: Côme Bastin Follow
5 mins
India is not known for its passion for football.
However, in the state of Kerala, it is a real religion.
The biggest city, Cochin, has taken a passion for the World Cup, and in particular Messi's Argentina.
Some dream, one day, of
Made in India
football on the world stage.
Advertising
Read more
From our correspondent in India,
“
Go Blues
!
“
Griezmann
!
», «
Mbappé!
“Among the
Albiceleste
jerseys , the Indian supporters of France are trying to make themselves heard in a good-natured atmosphere.
It is 6 p.m. this Sunday, December 18 and the crowd is starting to gather near a giant screen, in the popular district of Pallarivatom, to watch
the final between France and Argentina
.
In the absence of a convincing Indian team, we support everyone here, but first of all Argentina.
"
Here, there are fans of Brazil, Portugal, and especially Messi,
" confirms Yasir, 30.
There are also supporters of the France team, even if they are not in the majority.
“He himself is part of the Kerala Club of fans of the France team.
Officially, the association claims 1,000 members.
These are the famous Indian supporters of the France team seen in Qatar, some of whom thought they were actors.
Yasir couldn't raise enough money for the Lusail stadium.
Whatever, he supports the Blues from Cochin.
Since this Sunday morning, he has been busy preparing for the big night.
We installed giant screens, a sound system and fireworks.
Thousands of people will come to watch the final here
!
»,
rejoices the supporter of the Blues, effigy of Mbappé in the hand.
“
I became a fan of the France team because in 1998 my father showed me the final against Brazil.
Since then, I vibrate with the Blues,
says Yasir.
In 2006, I cried for the tragic elimination of Zidane.
Today, I am a fan of Kylian Mbappé as well as PSG.
The France team will win tonight, because they are the strongest in attack!
»
Football Mania
Throughout the competition, Cochin and its three million inhabitants vibrated to the rhythm of the victories and defeats of the World Cup.
All over the streets, there are effigies of the players and even posters of support for the unfortunate Brazilian team.
A football mania that extends to the villages of this seaside state, at the southern tip of India.
Several factors explain the Keralas' love of football: a large Catholic population more attracted to football than cricket;
an anti-colonial tradition that pushed this rebellious state to reject the national sport of the British invaders… And this year, a large diaspora present in the Gulf countries, which is helping to popularize the Qatar World Cup.
If everyone has their favorites, the competition is above all a great moment of celebration for the inhabitants of Cochin.
Kishor James, 45, has set up a mini neighborhood cinema with a video projector.
“
Since I opened this place, 200 people come for each game.
Everyone is welcome, we even prepared mutton biryani that we will distribute for free this evening of the final
!
»
Another atmosphere along Marine Drive, in the city center, more bourgeois.
An hour before kick-off, the Velocity sports pub, recently opened as Kerala eases its alcohol laws, has filled all its tables.
Here again, it was the Argentinian fans who dominated... and ignited during the first penalty and then the second goal.
Sure of their victory, they will logically experience an endless emotional lift following the French doubles.
Even after two hours of play and 3-2 for Argentina, an ultra-stressed Indian fan made a prediction: “
I'm happy, but it's not the end.
It's a very difficult match and France can still win, I'm not reassured
!
The equalizer will prove him right.
In the end, it's a deliverance for the very fair-play Indian supporters, happy with a match that will have thrilled them like never before.
“
France has already won the cup.
The god of the world is Messi
!
“, ignites the previous supporter.
“
I'm happy for both teams, who played so well
,” judged a customer who came for the pleasure of the game. “
It was a magnificent match, but Argentina deserved their cup
!
»
Investments increased tenfold
At midnight, the crowd quietly returns home.
Beyond the results, many are enthusiastic about Kerala's growing passion for football.
“
During the previous World Cup, there was already an atmosphere, but not as much.
More and more people are watching here
,
”
describes Naufal, 26, a fan of the Brazil team.
He often clashes with friends on small improvised grounds of Pallarivatom.
"
India has good players and maybe she will manage to rise among the great nations of football
,
"
hopes Naufal.
“
The problem is that there is no ecosystem and the Indian government only supports cricket.
In Kerala it's a bit better, that's why you see so many supporters.
»
A dream that could one day come true.
The Indian Football Association (AIFF) ensures that investments in Indian clubs have multiplied by ten since 2011. Beyond Kerala, West Bengal or the State of Goa also show a growing passion for football and increasingly professional teams.
In October, India hosted the FIFA Women's Under-17 World Cup.
A (small) first.
See you at the next World Cup to see if the football virus is really gaining ground in the subcontinent.
►Also listen: International Report - India launches into football
(Archive of 2014)
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
India
Soccer
World Cup 2022
our selection