‘First love’ Ronaldo, ‘calm’ Silva: Sanjida, Masura root for their heroes

The FIFA World Cup 2022 has reached its peak with the showpiece event heading towards the business end -- the knockouts.

As the last 16 are set to be lined up with the final group stage matches scheduled for tonight, fans can relish some major and shocking upsets already. However, many of the top dogs of the tournament are still in the competition and fans all across the country have their fingers crossed.

Two such ardent fans are our very own reigning champions -- Bangladesh women's national team defender Masura Parvin and winger Sanjida Akhter -- who are both supporters of the five-time world champions Brazil.

The Daily Star caught up with the two girls in the middle of a practice session on Thursday at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, and discussed their hopes and expectations from 'the greatest show on earth', along with what we can expect from them in the future.

Sanjida, despite her shyness and quiet demeanour, has proved to be an absolute force on the field. After Bangladesh's victory in the SAFF Championship 2022, she has been busy honing her skills with the Bashundhara Kings, the club that the forward plies her trade for.

Though she is rooting for Brazil, Sanjida revealed that her "first love" is none other than one of the greatest footballers of this generation -- Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Though it is his final World Cup, he is always my player to watch. Yes, new players will come to the next World Cup. But how can one forget their first love?" she smiled.

On the other hand, while almost all Brazil fans have Neymar on the tip of their tongue, the player that fascinates the ever-spunky Masura the most is defender Thiago Silva.

"What I like most about him is how calm he can remain in the toughest of situations. I am a defender myself and I have no idea how to remain this calm. It's something I try to learn from him."

They both revealed that they have supporters of Argentina in their team as well.

Asked whether they get into the common Argentina vs Brazil argument, Masura said, "Arguments, not really. We do banter with each other sometimes. But see, what we have to remember is that it's a game and there will be wins and losses. There is no reason to fight over these things."On the other hand, Sanjida, responding to another question, said, "But I remember, I could not get out of the dressing room when Brazil conceded seven goals against Germany! I was heavily teased by all my teammates. No one can ever forget the '7-up', can they?"

About who they expect to see in the semis, both said this World Cup has been unpredictable.

The chat concluded with their expression of hope of someday making it to the world stage themselves.

The full video interview can be found on The Daily Star's Facebook page and Youtube Channel.