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

[dubdobdee.livejournal.com]

martin you are needed on fooptimists (http://community.livejournal.com/fooptimists/) (even tho you possibly know too much for our stringent protocols)

[http://users.livejournal.com/xyzzzz__/]

"We shouldn't assume they'll be playing the Czechs in the second round"

yeah, sure - on the WC thread on ilx i did say it was a shaky at best assumption. The Czechs could beat Italy and I'll add that if Ghana can scrap a goal they could still do something.

[martinskidmore.livejournal.com]

They may not need to beat Italy - they have the goal difference advantage at the moment, so may only need a draw in that final game.

[martinskidmore.livejournal.com]

I have joined!