The 4th July was the most important day for the Brazilian national team in the current World Championship. It does not need a great explanation, because after 12-year break, “pentacampeoes” made through to the ½ final of World Cup. After the failure in 2006 and 2010, Brazil still has a chance of gaining the most prestigious title. The result was made again by Luiz Filipe Scolari.

Some people like this coach, some not, but the fact is that last time he made Brazilians win the FIFA World Cup and now made them enter among the top four. It is also noteworthy that this is not 12-year-old Brazil, when Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho were at “Felepaos” disposal. No one can say that the hosts of the tournament were “dragged by force” in ½ final. They had no less opponents than anyone in play offs, if not more.

After the match of France – Germany (0:1), I went to “FIFA Fan Fest”, the most crowded place for fans. I would not miss the chance to watch a South American derby with Brazilians. The fans filled the subway train so that there was not a place. The German fans also were in the train, they happily started singing and the Brazilians wanted this and “cacophonous” began. I got to the destination in such noise.

During the Championship it was for the first time that “FIFA Fan Fest” was closed at the match time, because there were so many fans that others could not locate inside. The Brazilians did not worry about this and spread in the streets. It should be also noted that when Brazilian national team does not play, during the matches the local residents are on the beach, chasing the ball until late and did not pay attention to other teams controversy. This time, the beach was empty.

By the way, despite the abundance of people could not say that everybody watched the screen. The nearby cafe-bars were full of fans and some of them were watching football beyond the palisade of “FIFA Fan Fest”, but I have seen those who have not watched the game and spent two halves dancing and singing.

After the first goal scored by Thiago Silva the nearly territory of “Copacabana” was almost “destroyed”. The same happened when David Luiz promoted the team with two balls after superb free kick. After winning over Uruguay, Jose Pekerman, head coach of Colombian team, said that they would also win over Brazil so confidently that I was surprised. Perhaps, there is no team in the world, which has any advantage before the match against Brazil. The previous match showed “who is who”. After the match the Brazilians cheered up.

The trauma of Neymar caused a great rush in Brazilian TV. They repeated moment when he was injured several times. They step-by-step lighted up how Neymar was brought to the hospital. They also made team’s doctor speak. There is a program called “Copa na Beng” on channel “Vivo” and Eder, former player of Brazilian nation team, frequently visits this program. Denilson also visits it often. Besides them, actors, comedians and recognizable faces are also brought. On Friday, the most part of the program was dedicated to Neymar’s trauma.

Lasha Tabagari, special correspondent of worldsport.ge from Rio de Janeiro

Photos by Lasha Tabagari