- Inauguration of the FIFA World Cup brings different cultures together, even more protests and a buzz to the city of Porto Alegre.
Porto Alegre, June 12th, 2014. The culmination of a long, four year wait was here, the big day had finally come. It was the 12th of June, 2:30 p.m., exactly an hour and a half before the grand opening of the World Cup, Brazil 2014. A remarkable day in all senses for Brazil and its population. In Porto Alegre the people of the whole region of Rio Grande do Sul, gauchos as they are commonly referred to as, were living the historical moment out on the streets. Fanaticism vividly painted by the famous yellow and green colours worn its people, all anxious to witness the opening game at the FIFA FanFest.
A Brazilian fanatic awaiting anxiously for the first game of the World Cup 2014.
Optimistic Brazilian fans walked side by side with people from dozens of other nationalities, their flags flying high in the sky, everything forming a multicultural, multicoloured and multilingual collage. Every single one of them there to see the best footballing nations pit their skills against each other at the biggest footballing event in the world, all this in the home of the biggest footballing culture in the world.
The presence of the police however, told a different story. Helicopters covered the skies and the mounted police monitored the streets jammed full of traffic, as cars beeped, venting their frustration at the lack of progress to go and watch the much anticipated game.
The false illusion of safety was shattered, as bins were set alight and a group of over 100 angry protestors tore through the city breaking windows of Banks and causing riot. A group of military soldiers arrived moments after to send the protestors on their way and avert further trouble, at least temporarily.
It was time for the grand opening of the FIFA World Cup 2014. The event broadcasted all over the world was witnessed however, in a different way at the Porto Alegre FanFest.
People crowded together before the game between Brazil and Croatia.
Here, traditional, live gaúcho singing and dancing depicted a people rich in history and diverse in culture. A regional pride that doesn’t dissipate, even for quite possibly the most important national event of all time. The perfect example of this was the contrast between the heartfelt, tearful rendition of the anthem of Rio Grande do Sul before nonchalant joining in with the nation singing the Brazilian national anthem.
This strong sense of pride has roots in the historically and culturally divided relationship the region has with Brazil. It reached its peak when the gaúchos successfully rebelled against their sovereign in the ‘Guerra dos Farrapos’ war (1835-1845) and enjoyed nine years of independence from Brazil.
“We are more gaúcho than brazilian”, one onlooker said beaming with pride at the sound of the regional anthem.
Once the anthem came to an end the match gave way with a huge cheer from the exuberant crowd. However, unease started to creep in as the home team gave away possession cheaply, and Croatia pressed, breaking dangerously. The crowd was stunned as Croatia went 1-0 up after just 11 minutes, an unlucky own goal from Marcelo gifting the visitors the lead.
The silence in that moment was deafening, the whole country dumbfounded. Even though replays showed he was not to blame for the goal, the crowd’s reaction looked no less unforgiving.
Their fears were allayed shortly however, as Neymar received the ball from Oscar before running towards the opposition’s penalty area and unleashing a low shot across the goal from 25 yards out, hitting the post before going in. Pandemonium ensued. The camera followed Neymar as he celebrated violently venting his anger. The relieved crowd screaming with joy.
Protestors showed their anger before the game.
It wasn’t long before they were again celebrating, this time the inevitable goal that would win them the game, as yet again Neymar found the back of the net. This time however it was from a controversial penalty that all but Scolari, the manager of the Brazilian team, seemed to agree with. The crowd did not care, going wild as they lead for the first time. Later on, in the 89th minute Oscar sealed the victory with another fine goal, dedicating his goal to his girlfriend, fittingly on the day of Brazil’s Valentine’s day. The five minutes of additional time were nothing but a formality as the final result was a Brazilian 3-1 win to kick off the tournament.
The post-game feelings were more of relief rather than joy and of dissappointment at the team’s general performance, but happiness nontheless at the result.
Not exactly samba, but enough for now. How will Brazil react if its national team continues to underwhelm? We will wait and see.
Highway to Porto Alegre 