NCR cafes encash football fever

New Delhi: The cricket crazy country has been gripped by the Fifa fever. Toni Kroos’s last minute goal was a comeback into the World Cup for the defending champion, Germany.

Undoubtedly, it skipped the heartbeat of fans in the national capital. The result of which was seen in cafes, bars, and restaurants, which have started to lure fans with special offers and live streaming of the matches. High spirited football fans have also started adjusting their schedules to enjoy this prodigious event.

Nestled in the Hudson Lane, the Dum Maro Dum (DMD) cafe located near North Campus is witnessing “a 25 per cent rise in clients,” said Mr Aman Sahani, the owner.

He also said that students come wearing their football jerseys while married couples and family members often book prior reservations for specific live screenings of matches. Commemorating the World Cup festivity, DMD provides a complimentary drink called ‘Fifa,’ to fans who come dressed like a footballer flaunting their jersey.

Likewise, cafes in Gurgaon, CP, Lodhi Road, and Rajouri Garden provide different offers during the match hours. Amidst the busy lanes of CP, another cafe, Smoke On Water, screens live matches for fans over the big screen.

“Supporters of team Germany, Argentina, and Brazil come in large numbers. The pack, largely jovial and merry, can be seen cheering for their respective teams in utmost excitement,” said Mr Mayur Mathur, the owner. “I can still recall how the entire cafe was in a state of shock when Messi could not get through the penalty in the Argentina match.” He added.

Other interesting offers that add to the jollification are unlimited IMFL (Indian-made foreign liquor) for two hours under just Rs 999 (all inclusive) served at both these cafes.Waseem Khan, an ardent football fan, often visits these cafes to relish and enjoy the live streaming of matches with his friends.

According to him, “timing of the match” plays a huge role in deciding whether or not he will go for the screening. He and his friends usually prefer to watch the 8.00 pm or 11.00 pm matches in the cafes.

“We all go crazy as soon as our best team scores a goal! We only want to see our team win, so even though at times the cafes charge us extra, it doesn’t matter. Though we avail the offers and it helps, but more than the offers it is the match that keeps us hooked,” he said.