The exit of Brazil from the football World Cup rekindled my memories of when I was staying there at the time of World Cup 1998. When the World Cup is on, not a soul is seen on the streets. The entire country freezes during those three hours when a World Cup match is going on. People are glued to television sets at their homes, offices, restaurants, etc. Nothing seems to be moving.
Passion is one of the greatest drivers of achievement in any field. The Brazilians are very passionate about football, hence the passion to achieve. The resultant excitement is spectacular. Everyone is dressed in yellow and green (colours of the national flag) or carnival costumes. Shops and supermarkets are also decked up in green and yellow.
The mood of the crowd changes vividly with Brazil’s performance depicted on the scoreboard. When Brazil scores a goal, echoes of “Goooooaaaaal” reverberate all around. However, if Brazil loses a game, it seems to be an occasion of national mourning.
Brazilians adore football. It’s a game that unites the country. Brazil is one of the few countries that have achieved a harmonious integration of people of different racial backgrounds. The passion for football unifies multifarious races and dialects in Brazil. Football is a game without ideological connotations. It brings people together.
Therefore, it was mortifying to see Brazil lose this year.
Rajendra K Aneja, on email
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