The change has reportedly been visible in areas usually covered by Brazil’s yellow and green, including Kalidas Patitundi Lane, Gopalnagar, Fakir Chakraborty Lane and Tarak Dutta Road.
The clearest example came during Argentina’s match against Egypt. The report says roughly 50 people celebrated near Kalighat fire station after Egypt scored first, with some initially believing Argentina had found the net. Argentina later recovered, but the disputed moments continued to dominate conversations in tea stalls, street corners and WhatsApp groups.
The report also says supporters remain angry about a disallowed Egypt goal and a later incident in Argentina’s penalty area. For these fans, opposition to Argentina has become more than a preference; it has created a second team to follow.
That instinct fits Kolkata’s wider football culture. Support often follows rivalry as much as admiration. When Mohun Bagan are eliminated, some supporters back East Bengal’s opponents, and the reverse can apply.
The same pattern is now shaping neutral match nights. The report lists Brazil supporters favouring France against Morocco, Spain against Belgium, England against Norway and Switzerland against Argentina.
The mood is different among supporters of Germany and Portugal, who reportedly feel less attached to the remaining fixtures. Some now simply want the stronger team to win, while Argentina-supporting areas remain firmly behind Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste.
The next Argentina knockout tie will test how durable this temporary anti-rival coalition is. For Brazil supporters in Kolkata, every Argentina result now offers a fresh reason to celebrate-or another grievance to debate.