No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeFandomWhat's it like watching the World Cup opener with Brazilians in Costa...

What’s it like watching the World Cup opener with Brazilians in Costa Rica (in 12 photos)

The smell of the churrasco wafted in from the backyard, maneuvering its way through the mass of people here, who shouted for the jogo bonito dressed in an intense yellow. Welcome to Brazil’s Costa Rica headquarters.

The Center for Brazilian Studies in Santa Ana, southwest of Costa Rica’s capital, held a joyous watch party for the 2014 World Cup opener Thursday afternoon. Back in the homeland, the favored Brazilians kicked off the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Croatia in São Paulo.

Marlene Da Silva, a Portuguese teacher at the center from Belo Horizonte, estimated about 80 Brazilians gathered here for the event, and they were joined by a couple hundred non-Brazilian supporters. The organization inaugurated the World Cup with a samba party beforehand.

Fans used the pre-game to enjoy the mouth-watering meats on the churrascaría, a Brazilian style barbecue. They washed down the meal with guaraná (Brazilian soft drink), Brahva (Brazilian beer) or caipirinhas (the iconic Brazilian cocktail). Chefs also cooked up bobó de camarão (a soupy shrimp dish served in a puree of yucca and coconut milk) and coxinha (traditional chicken croquettes), among other delights from the land of samba.

The foundation set up several television screens inside and outside the building to view the match. Spectators in Neymar jerseys abounded  as the 22-year-old phenom scored Brazil’s first two goals (the second one coming after a controversial penalty).

The hosts rallied from an early 1-0 deficit after an own-goal by defender Marcelo. For the first time ever, a World Cup opened with a team scoring on itself. But Brazil’s squad never sweated the early lapse. The Brazilians haven’t lost in their own country since a 2002 friendly defeat to Paraguay. Brazil hasn’t lost in a match that counted for something since 1975.

Once midfielder Oscar finished off Croatia with a late breakaway goal, the party was on in Santa Ana.  Supporters waved the yellow-blue-and-green Brazilian flag and shouted out their positive feelings in Portuguese. When the match ended, the dancing started up again as Caetano Veloso’s “Tropicalia” resounded through the venue.

Popular Articles

Pope Francis Passes Away at 88, Leaving Legacy of Compassion

The Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope today at 7:35 a.m. (5:35 a.m. GMT). He was 88. The...

5,000-Year-Old Woman’s Remains Discovered in Peru’s Ancient Caral Civilization

Archaeologists announced Thursday the discovery of the remains of a woman who lived approximately 5,000 years ago and is believed to have belonged to...

Poás Volcano Eruption Blankets Costa Rica’s Central Valley in Ash

Volcán Poás erupted with significant force today, sending an ash and gas plume soaring over 2,000 meters above its crater, marking the most intense...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait

Latest Articles