Brazil's players pose for a photo before the Group G last round match against Portugal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 25. The match tied 0-0, with both Brazil and Portugal qualifying for the round of 16. Photo: picture alliance / Photoshot

The history of football in Brazil begins when Charles Miller, the son of a Scottish railway engineer and Brazilian mother of English descent, returns from England, bringing in his luggage some whistles, balls and uniforms. To an elite group in São Paulo, he introduces a new kind of sport – football.  The activity spread quickly among ordinary people to become the nation’s most beloved sport, which continues to the present day.

We are known as “O país do futebol” (the country of football), perhaps because we’re the only team that has taken part in every World Cup tournament, or because we export some of the world’s best football players, or maybe being a five-time World Champion is reason enough.

Football definitely has a large influence on our lives, and the World Cup is the most anticipated sporting event by all Brazilians. During this time, everything changes. The people, the houses, the streets, the cars, everything is adorned in green and yellow, in a demonstration that goes beyond mere patriotism to show how football has become rooted in popular culture and how the World Cup represents a moment of unity, celebration and self-esteem. During the tournament, everyone is proud to say – I am Brazilian! For example, like the lines of the song written for Brazil’s national team upon the occasion of the 1970 World Cup, “All connected to the same emotion, everything is a single heart”.

Brazilian fans celebrate while watching their national team play in the World Cup. Photo: Tamine Medeiros

The World Cup literally changes our everyday lives. When Brazil plays we stop everything: businesses, banks, industries, schools…even the government doesn’t work! For example, in observance of today’s match (Brazil vs. Portugal), there is an “optional work day” meaning that if you work for the government, you can stay home and enjoy a beer after the game! Unbelievable!

There are, however, criticisms launched about this behavior of celebration. Some say that during the period of the World Championship Brazilians forget all about their problems, especially the social ones, like the lack of good quality health care and universally accessible education, as well as the political problems. However, others say that it is an escape, a way of forgetting the difficulties of daily life, and that people deserve the joy that comes with cheering for their team.

Speaking of cheering…a very common activity here in Brazil when the national team plays is to make a “churrasco” (grill party), and invite family and friends over to watch the game, cheer and celebrate. People also get together in  pubs, but what is becoming more popular are the Public Viewings. In Rio de Janeiro, at the Copacabana’s beach, there is the Fifa Fan Fest, an arena where all 64 games are broadcast live. After the games there are performances from famous Brazilian bands and singers. An interesting mix of football and music!

In a few hours Brazil plays against Portugal. I guess it’s going to be a tense game. We’ll be playing without our two important midfielders, Kaká, who was unjustly dismissed in my opinion, and Elano, who was injured, both in the last match against Côte d’Ivoire. And let’s not forget that Portugal scored 7×0 last Monday against North Korea!!

Crossing my fingers, Brazil!!!!