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

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

I said 'funny' to the last question, but the Czechs could do it. I'd love to see both them and holland getting to semis/final/win it. It annoys me they've been runner-up twice and not won the thing.

hmm, I thought Ricky only liked cricket not footie.

[boyofbadgers.livejournal.com]

I would really like the Czechs to go on and win it as well.

Heh, see my answer to Alan re liking footie. I do follow it a bit during the normal season, but in a fairly disinterested way.