Prior to the World Cup, international media made travelling spectators believe that the tournament would be hosted in a disorganised jungle in which there are regular life threatening street protests. Having been in Brazil for more than two weeks, it is easy to tell that this unabashed diatribe was unwarranted. Categorically, Brazil has established itself as a world-class host.
Admittedly, my personal experience is limited to just Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It turns out the heavily vaunted stadiums provide a superb atmosphere. The efficiency of city metro systems and domestic travel operation have proven to be faultless. Incredibly, Rio’s domestic airport is tacked onto the city’s central business district!
Brazilians radiate friendliness. The people are easy going, respectful and softly spoken. However, they do maintain varying degrees of pessimism about their country and, in particular, the political situation.
Undoubtedly, Brazilians love football. When Brazil play, it is a unique experience. The whole country comes to a standstill. When the team scores, blaring horns ring out and crackling fireworks are set off around the streets.
There’s nothing better in world sport than the World Cup. The passion displayed by fans on a worldwide scale is unmatched. Since the start of the World Cup, Brazil has turned football mad with an invasion of fans from all corners of the globe. The games have made for incredible theatre. We have loved the thunderous goals, late drama, and smattering of deserved upsets. The average number of goals per game in this tournament is the highest in World Cups since 1958.
Talking point #1: Did Spain coach, Vicente Del Bosque, watch any football over the last two years? If he had, he would have noticed that the players and game style he chose are outdated and predictable. In contrast, the coaching staff of Chile and Costa Rica paid attention to what has become successful in the world’s best competitions. These two teams play with a high-tempo approach to both attack and defence, and a complete commitment to the combined cause. Of course, it helps that they have extremely quick and talented players in attack. A standout is Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell, who, at 21 years of age, is a likely star of the future.
Talking point #2: What a superb tournament thus far for the South American teams. The atmosphere created by their fans has been completely electric, as they have come in enthusiastic droves to Brazil. A set of stirring performances from the South American teams has only fuelled the fans’ fervour.
Chile ensured the end of world champions Spain in Rio. Their numerous supporters took over the substantial beachfront for all night festivities.
Colombia have played with supreme energy.
Uruguay knocked out England with a dramatic late winning goal from star striker, Luis Suarez, and then Italy with an equally dramatic late winner from Diego Godin, a defender who has made a habit of scoring in the most important moments. The loss of Suarez to suspension will damage their chances of progressing further.
The superpowers, Argentina and Brazil, have yet to hit top form, but are safely through to the knockout stage.
Undoubtedly, the South American teams are capable, but can one of them win the World Cup?
A number of European teams will surely have their say. France, Germany and Holland have produced the most notable performances out of the Europeans, and all three are extremely tactically aware. It must be added that even the German Chancellor, dour old Angela Merkel, got excited watching her team play.
This exceptional World Cup is wide open. And it is a joy for fans.
Beautiful Rio de Janeiro from high above
Chile knocked Spain out of the World Cup in front of a sea of Chile supporters at Rio’s Maracanã
Luis Suarez’s winning goal against England sent his fellow Uruguay teammates into raptures
São Paulo street art on the roadside adjacent to the stadium
GolFan Sports 