World Cup
When a Brazilian Heart
Beats Faster...
The World Cup is an event that can paralyze (or move) the whole world. In Brazil, one can see it, feel it and love it in every single way.
Our National Football Team (or just �Sele��o� � as we call it) is starting at the World Cup. While our players are in Germany representing each Brazilian on Earth, I am an eyewitness of how influenced one can be by his/her own culture.
At work, everybody is talking about it. There is no place for distinctions between people. There is no talk about religion, regional soccer, politicians, the weather, whatever. The only matter at hand is� you know.
The most expected time of the day is 4 PM, when Brazil and Croatia will be playing. Almost everybody is released one hour before the match, to run home.
As I am leaving the company, I notice that the guards don�t have a TV at their workstation. When I mention the fact, one of them replies:
"We are going to keep the track by radio. Life is hard, you know�"
A have to agree with him, but it is time to 'fly' home. After all, I am a lucky guy!
On the streets, almost every car displays a flag on it (some, two). Many drivers keep honking their horns - not for angry - but as an expression of happiness and celebration.
At home, my kids are waiting for me excited. They ask my wife to paint their faces, and hold little flags to support Brazil Team.
We gather in the living room with the TV on - everything set - the ball gets rolling!
***
...We get nervous, as The Team is not so impressive. After 43 looong minutes, Kak� scores the first goal. Hugs, noise on the street, people shouting �Brazil� like crazy (including us) and� back to the screen!
For those 90 tense minutes, Brazilians have just one single heart, mind and wish: the goal.
Game over. The second goal doesn�t happen, but the victory brings us some relief. We return to our ordinary lives. Hard work, bills to pay, life stuffs�
But we are happier, lighter and easier... As a huge brotherhood, we become parents, children, students and professionals again.
For these next weeks (as long as the World Cup lasts) if anybody asks me who I am, I can even forget my own name� But soccer is something that I won't leave behind...
After all, I�m Brazilian. And you?
Read more about Soccer in Brazil
Read this page of World Cup in Portuguese
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