The World Cup atmosphere, often described as one of the most infectious feelings, has been confined to stadiums, surrounding streets, and fan festivals in the United States.
This limited reach highlights the stark contrast between football culture in the US and Brazil.
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In Brazil, football plays an extremely important role in daily life.
The national team's progress in the World Cup dictates the rhythm of life, affecting work schedules and public services.
While daily life doesn't stop, Brazilians go to great lengths to shape it around the team's matches.
Football's Central Role in Brazil
Football is so popular in Brazil that there is always a game on some channel, showing matches from anywhere in the world.
Other sports like volleyball, motor sport, and basketball attract interest, but they are not on the same level as football.
Brazilians throw huge parties and gatherings when the national team plays, but they also cherish a good game regardless of who is playing.
High-quality encounters such as Netherlands v Japan, Ecuador v Germany, and Uruguay v Spain have been enjoyed by many.
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The passion for football runs deep across the country, from the capital to small villages.
As one saying goes, football is the sun, and the rest of life orbits around it.
Match Day Rituals
When Brazil plays, families gather around TVs or big screens to share the experience.
The pre-match buildup is filled with predictions and analysis from the nation's 200 million experts.
The 90 minutes of play are followed by post-match banter that has no set end time.
If the game takes place on a Saturday or the eve of a holiday, the prospect of an extended break adds even more lustre to the ritual.
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This atmosphere provides catharsis for hard-working people, allowing them to take pride in something they excel at.
