Brazil.
After
four years of waiting since the last World Cup tournament in South
Africa, the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals are here. Whether you are a
soccer fan or not, you can’t help to notice the excitement among soccer
fans, fanatics or even the so called “hooligans”. It is the greatest
sports event. It is Football [Americans are forcing us to call it
Soccer-well it doesn't hurt-we know the difference]. The fact that it is
hosted in Brazil-the country that has won five times and the land of
Carnivals, explains it all why everyone is excited.
Before
going futher, let me declare few things. I favor Brazil to win the 6th
world cup championship. I didn’t start liking Brazilian soccer
yesterday. I started long ago. Therefore, for me, it’s a long tradition
of supporting Brazil. Being an African [and the fact that Tanzania-my
home country didn't make it], I have to pick at least one African team. I
have picked Ghana [Black Stars]. Now you know!
The
hosts Brazil kicks off this year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup by
playing against Croatia at the Arena de Sao Paolo. Even though Brazil
are overwhelmingly favourites to win today’s match and to end up top of
their group, no one can underestimate the talent among Croatians. With
the immense pressure-to-win that Brazilians are experiencing, anything
can happen.
For
warm up games, Brazil comfortably won 4-0 against Panama before getting
a narrow 1-0 in a hard-fought game against Serbia. The game against
Serbia was probably a good reminder to Selecao that it can get tough and
there is no room for mistakes or underestimating any opponent.
Croatia,
meanwhile, being considered “underdogs” against a team such as Brazil,
they would like to shock everyone with an upset. It can happen
especially with sometimes careless Brazil defence. In their warm-up
games Croatia won against Mali and Australia before a draw against
Switzerland.
Let
the games begin and let’s be reminded once again that We Are One [Ole
Ola]. I am eagerly waiting for the opening performances.
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