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

[bengraham.livejournal.com]

Having been to Brazil in February for the Rio Carnaval, I can honestly appreciate why so much of the world is in love with Brazil and Brazilians. They are the warmest, friendliest people I've ever met. It's no coincidence that despite being ethnically one of the most diverse countries in the world, there is virtually no racism in Brazil.

The way Brazilians play football and think about football is very different from the rest of the world. Some countries (England, Germany, the Scandinavians, most of the Europeans) play to win. Some countries (Portugal, the African nations) play to entertain. Brazil plays to entertain first, but only if that entertainment results in a victory. It was noticable last night that when the Croatians stepped up the pressure, you saw far fewer of the traditional Brazilian flashy moves than normal.

The reason fans around the world love Brazil is indeed partly down to memories of past teams, partly down to flair, partly socio-economic. But mostly, I think it's because when the Brazilians win, they make it look so easy, they make it a joy to watch. I know several people who dislike football, but will always watch Brazil play.

[boyofbadgers.livejournal.com]

there is virtually no racism in Brazil

Really? I had heard there was a great deal indeed, with socio-economic position being very easy to predict from skin colour.

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

yes.

And, when Brazil lost to Uruguay in 1950 final, their black goalkeeper got the blame.

Love 4 Brazil: they make a great highlights package.

My first footie memory was Zico's penalty miss in '86 :-( The '90 team were terrible. The '94 team that ended 24 years of hurt played tight stuff with a couple of goal poachers in Bebeto and Romario. As far as i remember that team was a good compromise. The final was kinda boring and won on penalties.

Parreira managed that team and now is back again. He might want to win it by playing entertaining football. There is a mis-match here, and it might cost them.