As the 2014 World Cup in Brazil gets closer, Cariocas are starting to feel the excitement of one of the biggest events of the world. The World Cup has a special meaning for Brazilians. Everyone knows that when it comes to football, Brazilians are fanatics. They're passionate from childhood about every single aspect of the sport: the players, clubs, tournaments, strategies, and history. Everybody has an opinion about football in Brazil, and it seems like every conversation eventually turns towards the subject of football.

Another thing that makes the 2014 World Cup in Brazil special is that the 1950 World Cup in Brazil is still caught in the people’s throat. The loss to Uruguay in the finals  was unbelievable, especially since the Brazil team had the world-renowned player Pelé. Brazilians still remember that disgrace and crave the comeback.
Brazil v. Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup Brazil v. Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup / Source

Of course there are risks to every opportunity. Cariocas are aware that the advent of the World Cup brings its own challenges: challenges like crowded metros, traffic jams, and sacrifices made for the construction of new stadiums.

But we cannot deny that despite all these potential problems, Cariocas can’t wait for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and couldn’t be happier about it. Not only will the cup make Rio de Janeiro and Brazil even more famous overseas, it is expected to bring long-term investments and positive results for Brazil. Furthermore, Brazilians are reveling in their national pride for being able to see the Brazil National Team play at home. Every person desperately hopes that Brazil will win The Cup and be able to celebrate this success like an endless national carnival!

Watching football in Rio de Janiero is an experience of a lifetime. Check out our website for tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro!

Happy travels!

By: Albano Moura