Everyone loves Brazil

[boyofbadgers]

Except that they don't. Maybe.

I was going to write an entry wondering how on earth the Brazilian football team maintain their unusual levels of popularity among fans from other countries. Is it memories of amazing sides past? Is it Ronaldinho's cheeky grin? Or is it because of complex socio-economic factors and/or patronising Western views of plucky poor kids playing barefoot on the beach?

But after reading a fair bit of criticism, both pre and post last night's match, it increasingly looks like your average punter is starting to get sick of the media's sycophantic coverage of Brazil. It remains to be be seen whether this will translate over time into actual dislike of the team, or even ambivalence towards them, but it might just be the first step on the road towards Manchester United style hatred.

So, as is traditional, a poll:

[Poll #747774]

Comments

[darkpigeon.livejournal.com]

Brazil produce a lot of individually talented players that rise from a mass of football obsessed youths into being the best into the world - Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho have all been the best in the world at various times over the last 10 years, and players like Kaka, Adriano (sometimes), Emerson are all world class, while Cafu and Roberto Carlos used to be. The media coverage may be a bit romanticised with players rising from the favelas to dominating Europe with their skillz, but it is partially justified. The current squad has just got to learn to play as a team (like 1970 for example)

[carsmilesteve.livejournal.com]

CATFOOD! call him by his name...