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https://www.barrons.com/news/spurning-world-cup-favorites-bangladeshi-duo-hoist-south-korean-colours-01668999607
Bangladeshi chemist Abu Kovsir says South Korea has given his family prosperity, so he can at least cheer up his benefactors, who are kicking off their World Cup campaign this week.
He and his wife, Sabina, sewed the South Korean flag into a 3.5-kilometre (2.2-mile) banner that paves the way from their house, down the next street, across the river, and into the next village, which amuses and confuses their neighbors. .
The extravagant tribute, which cost them $5,000, is a testament to Kovsir’s love for the country where he spent most of his adult life as a migrant worker.
“We love Korea and that’s why we decided to support the team,” Sabina, 34, told AFP. “We will continue to support them and pray for their success.”
Sabina herself has never been to the country where her husband has worked in factories for 15 years, but enjoys the “great stories” he brings home from the era of industrial titans.
“Whenever my husband comes back from Korea, he tells me about the culture, discipline and beauty of the country,” she said.
At the South Korean factory where he works, Kovsir strips parts from used mobile phones and other consumer goods, melts down the gold, and prepares it for resale.
An extended stay abroad has given the 45-year-old Kovsir the resources to start his own jewelry business at home, and he credits working abroad helped his family transition into the country’s middle class.
He began his allegiance after watching the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan when he was in awe of star midfielder Yoon Jong-hwan’s feat.
According to him, it took the tailors two weeks to sew the banner, thanks in part to Kovsir’s decision to sell the mango orchard he inherited from his father.
Its deployment caused a local sensation on social media, with thousands of people coming to see it for themselves, though they don’t quite understand the reasons behind such a costly undertaking.
“They are crazy spending so much money just to show their love for the team,” said Kovsir and Sabine’s neighbor Mohammad Akash.
Known for their love of cricket, the Bangladesh football team is ranked 192nd in the world and has never made it to the top international tournaments.
But the World Cup, held every four years, is causing a buzz in the South Asian country, where football leaders Brazil and Argentina have large fan followings.
Die-hard fans spend huge sums to paint their homes in the national colors of their favorite Latin American teams.
The ostentatious rivalry can sometimes escalate into violence. Followers of Lionel Messi and Neymar were seriously injured in a collision with a machete in the center of Bandar during the final tournament in 2018.
28th-placed South Korea will face an uphill battle against Uruguay when they start on Thursday, and the prospect of a late group showdown against Portugal is daunting.
Kovsir said he was slightly taunted by neighbors over drinks at the local teahouse, but he remained calm.
“There are wins and losses in every game,” he said. “As a fan of South Korea, I hope they play well. Even if they don’t reach the final, I will support them.”
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Post time: Nov-23-2022