Instead of using the viewpoint of adults in the story, the author chose to narrate it from the viewpoint of the children. This technique shows promise in illustrating the injustice meted out to the inhabitants of Malaga Island. The reasons mentioned below support this position-
Children have more open hearts than most adults do, and they don't hold the same preconceptions or worries. Because of this trait, they are more willing to make friends despite their differences and accept others without prejudice.
This aids in giving readers an account of events on the mainland and on Malaga Island that is free of preconceptions. The main protagonists begin the novel as children and develop into adults in the end, making it a coming-of-age story as well.
Your correct answer would be "They could barely look at Neto and Jesse as they explained that they loved football too much to give it up." This part in the excerpt explain's how Neto feel's about his fan's. He could tell that they didn't really care much about the football team. Hope it helps. :-)
