In case you’ve recently emerged from a cave or live in the United States, the World Cup, the global soccer tournament which occurs once every four years, began last Friday. Well, it technically began last Friday. As far as Brazil is concerned the World Cup truly begins today. Today, Brazil plays it opening game against North Korea.
I grew up playing soccer but being a soccer fan in the US is tough. In terms of media hype, international soccer ranks above curling and below high school football championships. That trend is changing but, Americans have, at most, a passing interest in it. Brazilians, on the other hand, have a fanatical obsession that if directed at any other object would require medical treatment.
Every building I’ve walked into over the last week, from banks to grocery stores to juice bars, is decorated with Brazilian flags. Green and yellow streamers hang over the streets. Walking in Leblon, I came across an intersection that had been repainted as the Brazilian flag. While I’m writing this, I can hear Brazil’s version of the vuvuzela being blown and the game doesn’t start for 6 hours.
The World Cup is everywhere. In the grocery store, all soda, candy and chips have soccer themed packaging. The tournament is on the front page of every newspaper and covered in every broadcast. Every commercial features groups of green and yellow clad fans having what is clearly the best time of their lives. I can only imagine how lonely a non-fan must feel right now because the media’s message is pretty clear. If you are not watching the World Cup, then you are an eccentric and probably dangerous recluse who is missing the greatest party and most thrilling display of human athleticism ever.
So as not to miss out on the party, I’m going to put on my Brazil jersey and watch what the commercials promise to be the most exciting sporting of my life or at least of the next four years.
Don’t miss it! Brazil v. North Korea 2:30pm EST
