Day 12, August 18 (Saturday): Maracana Stadium and Botanical Garden

When I think of Brazil, three distinct characteristics come to mind: samba, beautiful Brazilian girls and soccer.I was able to dance and experience the lively samba during our festival in Anapolis with the other Brazilian groups. As soon as the samba beast started playing, beautiful Brazilian girls began shaking their hips. A Brazilians body was made for dancing and soccer. Soccer is a beautiful game that is played worldwide. Brazilians passion for soccer is treated as a religion. Soccer fields in Brazil are
never empty and filled with players no matter what playing conditions are present. From a very early age kids take the same amount of pride in playing soccer. The only way to truly see the love for the game is by sitting in the stands with club supporters. On Sunday a group of 16 people decided to go to the game and experience a real futbol match. The two club teams facing one another were Butafoge and Internacional. As I approached the immaculate stadium of Maracana my heart just sank. Seeing so many people entering the stadium with their replica jerseys and large Butafoge
flags. As the stands slowly started to fill you could feel the energy
throughout the stadium.

As the game was underway about 50000 fans took their seats singing, chanting, and cheering on the players as they took the pitch. I've been to tother matches but not to a match that had so much significance as this one. the two opposing sides were playing for the Brazilian cup. Butafoge fans nearly quadrupled the amount of Internacional fans.

An early goal by Internacional quickly silenced the Butafoge supporters. Fans started to get agitated by the amount of fouls and questionable officiating. As Butafoge steadily gained momentum the fans came alive yet again. Butafogr finally scored and the stadium erupted. Flares were started and flags started to be waved, accompanied by the loud singing. Up to 90 minutes Maracana stadium was filled with fans that adored the sport as well as the team. Although the game ended in a 1-1 draw, it was an unforgetable experience that I suggest people see at least once in a lifetime.

-------------------
"I was looking at the blueprints on how to open the window." "Those aren't the blueprints on how to open the window! Those are the blueprints of the Boulder Dam!

John Krysinski

Click a picture to see a larger view.