New Delhi, June 2 -- For generations, Kerala has been one of the powerhouses in Indian football. Widely known as "Gods Own Country" for its beautiful natural landscape, football in Kerala is treated as a religion just like in the "City of Joy" Kolkata. With a massive support for local teams, Kerala's football culture and the love for the game goes beyond the domestic leagues, the state turns into a mini north America with massive cutouts and flags of Brazil and Argentina adorning the bylanes during the FIFA World Cups every four years.

This year, things will be a bit different. Along with the support of Brazil and Argentina, there will also be a few pockets of backing for Qatar, who are appearing for the second time in football's greates...