Rio de Janeiro: Brazil has passed the test the world had given it with flying colours. On and off the field it’s so far so good. The Doomsday messages of the Western media have largely been unfounded as the World Cup has been progressing like a Swiss knife through butter. With the exception of minor issues such as a group of ticketless fans entering the Maracana to occasional traffic snarls to a staircase near a Rio metro wobbling, the World Cup has grabbed attention for all the right reasons. Teams have also been playing their part by scoring three goals a match in the first round.
Yes, there is anger among the public, especially the middle class, against the government here over corruption but it hasn’t manifested into violent protests. Agitations have been peaceful so far and they are fewer than the numbers predicted by pessimists. Reports on muggings and robberies aren’t on the rise. Sensational headlines sought to depict traffic chaos in Sao Paulo unimaginably bad. For instance, a report said a pile up on May 23 stretched up to 340 kilometres. Metros are functioning without hitches and strikes in both Rio and Sao Paulo. They are a boon for fans to reach playing venues without a hassle.
The atmosphere inside the stadiums is terrific, even though streets and other public places lack the same vigour. Brazilians are known to party a lot when the World Cup is held elsewhere and they are strangely quieter when the Cup has come home. Maybe a rampaging performance from the Selecao is the boost they need. On the field, however, Brazil don’t appear to be equipped with the talent needed to go all the way. Over reliance on Neymar will not serve the hosts well in the long run. Without their talisman, Brazil are an ordinary unit. Germany and the Dutch have been the best so far. Joachim Loew’s team, in particular, is more complete. But then, knockout rounds could be a different ball game.
