Few love a party as much as the Brazilians and with the fiesta of music, dance, and colour in full swing this weekend, the nation besotted with football indulges in its other great passion, Carnival. And yet, there are more than a few links between the country’s two great loves.
The Brazil squad sure no how to liven up a plane journey in typical Seleção fashion.
The Brazil Series, a collection of articles inspired by the world’s greatest footballing cradle, Póg Mo Goal looks at the storied past of the iconic ground that holds a special place in the heart of all Brazilians. It’s ironic that the reopening of Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium with Brazil vs England was overshadowed by accusations that the venue wasn’t ready. It’s merely a case of history repeating itself.
Germany have released their World Cup 2014 away kit, apparently taking inspiration from Flamengo, the football giants of Rio de Janeiro. The departure from traditional green will see one of the favourites for the title line out in black and red stripes, similar to Brazilian cup champions ‘Mengo.
Protests have returned to the streets of Brazil with groups claiming the marches as the first action in 2014 of a movement called “Operation Stop the World Cup.”
The Germans, the Swedes, the Austrians, Brian Kerr’s Faroes and Kazakhstan. The Republic of Ireland have a tough nut to crack to reach Brazil in 2014 but it was inevitable given our third place seeding. Giovanni Trapattoni has put his faith in a mixed bag of committed but limited players to take the Irish to the European Championships next year. Cashing in our Euro chips (Cash-eu?) will determine whether pecan approach the road to Rio with trepidation or optimism. Otherwise, it’s all macadamic.
John Delaney reflects on the 2014 World Cup draw for Ireland. The FAI chief also pointed out that Giovanni Trapattoni has coached in both Germany and Austria.
Ireland await the draw for the 2014 World Cup. To get us in the mood, Ronaldinho teaches us some Samba basics.
The Road to Rio begins on Saturday with the draw for the 2014 World Cup. With Giovanni Trapattoni aiming on staying in the managerial hot-seat until the finals in Brazil, Irish fans will be awaiting the outcome with bated breath. Pitted as a third seed once again, drawing England and France is just one of the possibilities that awaits the Republic. With European Championship qualification still in the balance, we can cast our minds further for a moment and dream of a tantalising Gaelic and Samba infusion and a meeting on Copacabana Beach of the Boys in Green and the Boys from Brazil.
