Since arriving in São Paulo a few days ago, I have been quite struck by the absence of atmosphere surrounding the World Cup.
While my experience thus far has been superb – São Paulo is a city of incredibly diverse culture, delicious food and friendly people – there appears to be a surprising lack of interest in the World Cup.
The feeling I have just described is acknowledged here in Brazil. According to a survey conducted by Folha de São Paulo, one of São Paulo’s most read daily newspapers, the number of Brazilians who describe themselves as interested in the World Cup has dropped dramatically.
Since the last World Cup in 2010, the percentage of people who have no interest in the World Cup has risen from 20 per cent to 36 per cent.
This is counter-intuitive. Surely, hosting the World Cup would only serve to galvanise the locals and increase their interest. How could there be a decrease in interest in the World Cup among the people of the host nation?
There is clearly more than just football on the agenda.
Directly from the mouths of the people here, the answer is political. As one local I spoke to put it: it is seen as “politically incorrect” to show an avid support for the World Cup.
There is an element of concern among locals to display their interest in the World Cup. It was noted in Folha de São Paulo that you can barely notice the atmosphere of the World Cup in certain neighbourhoods as shop owners fear protestors and vandals.
The overwhelming opinion here is that Brazil will turn football crazy once the first ball is kicked. Evidently, as the opening game draws nearer there is a flood of Brazilian flags on show in the busy streets.
Will Brazilians’ love of football overtake the politics that have plagued the Cup, or will this put a dent in World Cup enthusiasm once and for all?
Adam Smith
Guest
Stevo what country do you live in? Because if you're in Australia you must be living a very sheltered life to not know that!
Martin
Guest
It is obscene what these professional footballers get paid. Then, as if they're not wealthy enough they go to a developing country to exploit the poor by diverting government funding from what should be spent on schools, hospitals and housing. South Africans were compliant when they had the World Cup; however, the Brazilians are standing up for their rights, good on them.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
What's "State of Origin" ??????
Vikki Gibbs
Guest
Someone said they were glad the month long world cup has started because they don't have to listen about the State of Origin. I'm so glad the State of Origin last about the same time as the World Cup, at least I can read about something other than football in Brazil. State of Origin is only a State against State thing between NSW & QLD in little ole Australia and yet it generates a lot of much needed revenue for the two States and the revenue raised far exceeds the cost to run the event. With World Cups and Olympics the Countries spend billions, for example, Russia 56 billion and now with Brazil umpteen billions and why, all for some team to hold up a shield for 20 minutes or so, and to have their name put on the Shield. And how many 'ordinary people' or 'poor people' can attend the World Cup or Olympics, only those that have enough in their Bank Accounts to attend and that can afford Health Insurance in case something happens to them on their travels, the rest of the 'ordinary or poor people' just have to sit around and watch wealthy people live it up in their Country whilst the thing is on. It would be great if the hosts Country would put it to good use for 'their people' but in these Countries it hardly ever filters down to the people that need it the most. I can't stand the Olympics or World Events like this for that very reason. I'm so glad that State of Origin is on for the next month!
Ken
Guest
If I remember rightly Sydney was a bit the same about the Olympics. The political issues of cost and entitlements (which I believe are far more significant in the Brazilian situation) overwhelmed the build-up and it became fairly uncouth to be excited by it all. Once it was on though the volume turned up to 11.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Fuss I thought you had a clever comment up your sleeve about this one ? ;-)