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Brazil: 'We make it a party'



Brazil fan cheers on her team at Gillette Stadium Wednesday night. (Staff photo by KEITH NORDSTROM)




FOXBORO - As a native of Guatemala, Walter Vivar had no nationalistic interest in Wednesday's soccer match between Brazil and Mexico.

But, as a lover of soccer, Vivar reveled in the chance to see the renown Brazilian national team up close at Gillette Stadium.

"These two teams bring the best of both countries," the Attleboro youth soccer coach said. "But, Brazil is a world power in soccer. To come see a game like this is a real privilege."

Brazil, he said, plays a highly stylized game that makes them favorites around the world.

"It's a very individualistic style of play. Every single player has tremendous ball control," he said.
The crowd at Gillette was overwhelmingly pro-Brazil. Vivar said Brazil not only brought its own fans, but all the neutral spectators were rooting for Brazil because of its flair.

The stands at the stadium were an ocean of yellow, with fans sporting the uniform shirts of Brazilian favorites like Kaka, Ronaldo and, especially, No. 10, Ronaldinho.

And the faithful were not disappointed. Brazil bested Mexico 3-1.

More than 60,000 people attended the so-called "friendly," or exhibition, game even though there was no local team playing.

The parking lots before the match were a circus of music, food, dance and soccer.

Brazilian music blasted from car stereos as children and grandparents danced.

"Everywhere we go, we make it a party," Junia Rabelo of Boston said, explaining Brazilian culture.

"We love soccer. It's like the Patriots to you. Soccer is very important to Brazilians, and we like to celebrate it," she said.

Renato Santos of Boston said Massachusetts has a growing Brazilian population. Being able to see their former national team locally is a treat for immigrants.

It was like a trip back home for the Brazilians, who flooded in from Framingham, Cambridge and Somerville, he said.
He said Brazilians love their team because they are not only the best in the world, but they play "fancy."

To Brazilians, soccer is known as "joga bonito," or the beautiful game.

Their teams are expected to be entertaining as well as efficient. Ronaldinho is the band leader.

Every time he touched the ball at Gillette, fans would leap to their feet, expecting to see greatness.

"He's the best guy in the world, the best since Pele," Santos said, referring to the Brazilian icon and national hero from the 1960s and 1970s.

There was a sizeable Mexican contingent at the game, but it was dwarfed by Brazilians.

The Araujo family of Attleboro contributed to the lopsided advantage for Brazil.

Paulo Araujo, a native of Brazil, said he bought 15 tickets to the game for his family, including brothers, nephews and cousins.

"I'm from Brazil. My brother is from Brazil. Everyone in my family plays soccer," he said.

The crowd was so overwhelming that fans were still pouring in at 10:15 p.m., almost two hours after the game began.

Soccer games at Gillette can be dreary affairs. The New England Revolution typically attracts about 15,000 fans, whose voices get lost in the canyon-like stadium.

But, the atmosphere Wednesday was charged.

"I love it. It is so exciting to see such great teams," said Chris Vivar, Walter's wife.

 


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