MAGURA: Across Bangladesh, football fans have decked out their rooftops with the flags of Brazil and Argentina — the most popular teams in a country that has never qualified for the World Cup.
However, one man stands out not only for choosing a less-favoured team, but also for the sheer strength of his support.
Amjad Hossain, a farmer from the southern district of Magura, has covered his land with a gigantic black, red and yellow flag to display his passion for four-time champions Germany.
“I love the German football team, and Oliver Kahn is, in my view, the greatest goalkeeper of all time,” the 72-year-old told AFP, referring to the legendary German stopper.
At 7.5 kilometres (4.7 miles) in length, Hossain’s flag meanders strikingly through the verdant fields.
On Wednesday, the eve of the tournament, he spread it across his grounds in the presence of neighbours and a crowd of onlookers he believes were also Germany fans.
Hossain has never been to Germany, and his embrace of its national team stems from a bout of poor health several years ago.
“I was seriously ill in 2004 and 2005, and a German medicine cured me,” he said.
“Since then, I have loved Germany and its football.”
For the 2006 World Cup — which Germany hosted — he started out small, commissioning a mere 1.5-kilometre-long flag.
At every tournament since, he has gradually increased its length, sometimes selling pieces of land to finance bigger banners, and holding watch parties.
“My wife and other family members have never been angry, even though some people call me crazy,” Hossain told AFP.
Football is extremely popular in Bangladesh despite the national side languishing at 181st in the Fifa rankings.
Hossain’s adopted country has shown its appreciation by making him a lifetime member of the Germany fan club.
The European nation kick off their campaign against minnows Curacao on Sunday, followed by games against Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E.
Hossain will tune in from afar, in the firm belief that they will lift the trophy.
His dream is to see his flag in a German museum — and to watch the team in person one day.
“I hope I’ll have the chance,” he said.
