Brazil face Argentina in Buenos Aires tonight in a crucial World Cup qualifying tie. Win or lose, however, Brazil’s future looks less than bright under unpopular manager Dunga. But, as James Young explains, the country’s footballing problems run much deeper than that – and it might just be the fault of the fans. By James Young(…)
Arquivo - Tag: Football
Brazilian football and (corrupt) politics – a brief history
Brazilians’ love for soccer has been exploited by crooks, dictators, and dirty politicians for decades. Above, dictator Emilio Médici celebrates after his country’s 1970 World Cup victory. By Mauricio Savarese When former Brazilian soccer boss José Maria Marin was arrested in Switzerland at the end of May, most fans here just knew him as the old guy that(…)
Copa week 2 – I told you so
The government must be relieved that things have gone relatively smoothly, though a Brazil loss still strikes terror into the hearts of many here. With protests and strife in the background for now, many Brazilians have been mixing with foreigners meaningfully for the first time. James Young Belo Horizonte For the last few months the(…)
Protests, and the World Cup – Changing attitudes
Increasingly, Brazilians are blasé about two things most everyone used to be excited about – the FIFA World Cup and a wave of protests. We’ll see which way the pendulum swings again come June. Above, last year’s protests become the theme of a small ‘bloco’ at this year’s Carnaval. By Mauricio Savarese Attitudes went from(…)
The World Cup and politics – a love story
In the wake of the tragedy at the stadium to host the opening match in 2014 (pictured above), Mauricio Savarese speculates on the political logic behind the selection of the 12 host cities. By Mauricio Savarese “Who are the most powerful governors and mayors in Brazil?” Back in 2008, that was a strange question to ask someone(…)
Atlético take Libertadores – finally
With the Pope in Rio, 58,000 Galo fans asked God for help against Paraguay’s Olimpia. It seems he showed up. By Dom Phillips You had to feel sorry for the Atlético Mineiro fans, for so long the nearly men of the Brazilian championship. Just after midnight this Thursday morning, at the end of extra time, the club’s(…)
Brazil vs. England, at Maracanã
Though both the stadium and Brazil’s national side are still ‘under construction,’ Sunday’s match was a largely successful and inspiring example of what the World Cup here can be. Above, a dedicated England fan…who is Brazilian. By Dom Phillips Be careful around the Maracanã, because that part of town can be a bit sketchy, one carioca,(…)
Neymar – Should he stay or should he go?
By Dom Phillips – As Brazilian soccer star Neymar himself says, it has been four years that people are relentlessly asking him if and when he is moving to a club in Europe. And he keeps saying, “I’ll let you know when it happens.” And the rumours keep coming. And he keeps denying them. Well(…)
In Brazil, the man who would have been pope
Brazil ‘lost’ to Argentina at the Conclave in Rome last week. But São Paulo Cardinal Odilo Scherer will remain a towering figure for the world’s largest congregation. By Dom Phillips There was surprise and disappointment here when the white smoke pouring from a Vatican chimney meant a new pope had been chosen – and he(…)
Brazil’s new supercouple
Neymar and Bruna are, for now at least, the country’s Posh and Becks, says Dom Phillips. Looks profitable. Let’s see if it lasts. Above, a picture “The New Pelé” instragrammed of her during Carnaval. By Dom Phillips “TOGETHER, AT LAST,” read the headline on this week’s edition of Brazilian celebrity weekly Contigo!. “To the delirium of(…)
