Rio de Janeiro -Part 3- Football in Rio - BRAZIL

Long before the idea of travelling South America was born, I had heard of the must see football games in Rio, Brazil. Now we were actually here we jumped up at the chance to see a game. We ended up buying a ticket to see a Brazlian team Fluminense against Olympia a team form Paraguay playing the semi finals for "Copa de Liberators". Unfortunately, it was not at the known Maracan stadium as it was still being refurbished for the upcoming World Cup. Instead it was at a smaller venue but the crowd accounted for that. It was louder than I thought was possible.

Arriving at the Stadium there were riot police at every corner and fans pouring through the streets causing chaos with the traffic. As we were filling into the stadium there was a lot of pushing and shoving and at one point Michael was just a dot in a sea of people as we got seperated. This part was a bit scary for me but Michael assured me this was perfectly normal for any football match. Being a novice this was my first real match to see and what a first time it turned out to be. Immediately entering the stadium the crowd were going mad as large flags swayed over our heads the whole arena roared with chanting. Flares were going off and people were jumping around, clapping hands. It was like we had brought the soul of Lapa with us.

The Brazilian team took control of the ball most of the game. There was a lot of near chances but no goals. Even when the rain fell the crowd continued to chant and cheer, spirits not dampened by the weather. Alas, it was not to be and the game finished with a 0-0 result which was a shame. We really wanted the Brazil team to win has I could just invisage them blowing the roof off celebrating.

Regardless, it was a great experience and we left the match elated.It certainly confirmed to me that whatever the Brazilians did it had soul and yeilds an energy that brings people together, immersed with passion. 

Outside the stadium

The passionate fans

Under the large flags