What's interesting about this topic is that in my original notes, I was going to tell you (and obviously follow through with) that I didn't watch the football because on a regular day: I, along with many people in the world, can't stand football. Why? Because the concept, the lifestyle and the player's ability has been blown out of proportion and players do not deserve the money and the rewards they get. But anyway!
I can't quite believe it but, the atmosphere was so exciting that I did get sucked into enjoying a couple of the games (or at least the Brazilian ones anyway). In the end I can honestly say that it was the atmosphere that drew me in because now the Cup is over I've gone back to really not caring about football again. However when you're in the host country where the country is put on hold, news, rumours and strikes all around you, it's very difficult to ignore!
I'm glad that I could be in Brazil for such a grand phenomenon, and I'm enjoying being able to tell people about it now that I'm back, but unfortunately it's just not the one big happy gathering the Brazilian government and FIFA would like you to think of.
I have in fact written a full length post on my lifestyle blog (talbstar.blogspot.co.uk) in a lot more detail so please do check that out!! It's based on my analysis of the British commentary of the World Cup Opening Ceremony, with other elements added in.
Personally there was a part of me that wanted Brazil to win the Cup (ie. on their own turf and because they've done well in the past), but the way they played in the end was so embarrassing I think they deserved to lose so badly. For example, if Neymar was so badly injured in the back, why was he in his kit on the sideline bench in their next game?! But it would've been cool to have been in Brazil if they had won, again because of the vibe. You wouldn't think that football originated in England because of how big a part football plays in Brazil ie. "you're not a real Brazilian unless you have a football team" (that's whether you like it or not).
I'm jealous of a couple of friends who were in Germany when they won, but because quite a large proportion of the south of Brazil have German roots or heritage, they were just as supportive. Although I think again the country was quite torn. It was a question of a South American country winning on South American turf and Germany beating Brazil's neighbouring "rival" (Argentina). There was quite a divide.
In terms of safety I actually felt ok for the majority of the Cup. After the horrendous 7-1 Brazil loss to Germany I was rather conscious of where I was and at what times, merely because Brazilians mostly assumed I was German. But other than that I felt completely safe. Especially as I was in a non-host city as well. Thank you to people who sent me messages on the night of that game though! I was lucky I stayed at home that night.
Although I've gone back to not caring about football again, it is great to be able to tell people about the experience as well as all the not so positive parts of it (such as the riots it caused, even in a non-host city) because if you don't speak Portuguese you cannot find out about the negative aspects this event has had on a country that actually wasn't prepared to host such a large international event.
Anyway, please check out my other blog and some of my other posts on Twitter and Instagram.
Boa tarde!
Blog: talbstar.blogspot.co.uk
Twitter and Instagram: @talbstar
I can't quite believe it but, the atmosphere was so exciting that I did get sucked into enjoying a couple of the games (or at least the Brazilian ones anyway). In the end I can honestly say that it was the atmosphere that drew me in because now the Cup is over I've gone back to really not caring about football again. However when you're in the host country where the country is put on hold, news, rumours and strikes all around you, it's very difficult to ignore!
I'm glad that I could be in Brazil for such a grand phenomenon, and I'm enjoying being able to tell people about it now that I'm back, but unfortunately it's just not the one big happy gathering the Brazilian government and FIFA would like you to think of.
I have in fact written a full length post on my lifestyle blog (talbstar.blogspot.co.uk) in a lot more detail so please do check that out!! It's based on my analysis of the British commentary of the World Cup Opening Ceremony, with other elements added in.
Personally there was a part of me that wanted Brazil to win the Cup (ie. on their own turf and because they've done well in the past), but the way they played in the end was so embarrassing I think they deserved to lose so badly. For example, if Neymar was so badly injured in the back, why was he in his kit on the sideline bench in their next game?! But it would've been cool to have been in Brazil if they had won, again because of the vibe. You wouldn't think that football originated in England because of how big a part football plays in Brazil ie. "you're not a real Brazilian unless you have a football team" (that's whether you like it or not).
I'm jealous of a couple of friends who were in Germany when they won, but because quite a large proportion of the south of Brazil have German roots or heritage, they were just as supportive. Although I think again the country was quite torn. It was a question of a South American country winning on South American turf and Germany beating Brazil's neighbouring "rival" (Argentina). There was quite a divide.
In terms of safety I actually felt ok for the majority of the Cup. After the horrendous 7-1 Brazil loss to Germany I was rather conscious of where I was and at what times, merely because Brazilians mostly assumed I was German. But other than that I felt completely safe. Especially as I was in a non-host city as well. Thank you to people who sent me messages on the night of that game though! I was lucky I stayed at home that night.
Although I've gone back to not caring about football again, it is great to be able to tell people about the experience as well as all the not so positive parts of it (such as the riots it caused, even in a non-host city) because if you don't speak Portuguese you cannot find out about the negative aspects this event has had on a country that actually wasn't prepared to host such a large international event.
Anyway, please check out my other blog and some of my other posts on Twitter and Instagram.
Boa tarde!
Blog: talbstar.blogspot.co.uk
Twitter and Instagram: @talbstar