Copacabana or Soccer in One of the Most Beautiful Places in the World

My first sight in Rio was the Maracana stadium to watch the quarter final match between Germany and France.  Without a South American team the atmosphere while electric did not have the flare that we experienced later that evening while watching the Brazil vs Columbia match.  Standing on the sidewalk watching the multitude of TV screens at the Mud Bug, a popular sports bar Copacabana, all with "live" feeds and every second one four seconds later than the others (depending on the broadcaster) giving one a chance to have a instant replay four seconds later.  From our vantage point the only screens that were visible were the ones that were 4 seconds later and we heard the cheer before the goals were scored on our televised service.

As the song and dance erupted from the front of the store four seconds later we were treated to the spectacle that resulted in the eruption. A goal! Cheering and song as the crowd celebrated the goal fit for any self respecting spectator in any one of the World Cup stadiums that were erected around the country.

The next day we made our way to the fan park situated on Copacabana Beach, where under the watchful eye of the midday sun we watched the Argentina vs Belgium quarter final.  Selecting an appropriate spot in the fan park where we would be relatively undisturbed we settled down for the match.  When the whistle blew, signifying the start of the match, the heat of the sun was soon forgotten and we were engulfed in a sea of blue and white as the Argentinian fans arrived in droves, cheering and singing songs which gave us a small taste of what it must be like watching a match in an Argentinian stadium.

The cheering and songs grew more intense when the Argentinians scored a goal and continued to the end of the match.  On exiting the fan park, the fans had gathered on the outside of the park singing songs and cheering as they celebrated their teams progress to the semi finals.  Taking a break from the soccer, we made or way onto the famous Copacabana beach to observe the sun worshippers and I must admit I was tempted to join the masses as they soaked up the sun in their swimming apparel which barely covered the vital parts of their bodies however, I must admit, I doubt whether my shape, which is rather round, would make a pleasant sight in such skimpy apparel.

Feeling rather peckish we made our way to a restaurant where we managed to secure a table right in front of a television screen so that we could catch the Netherlands vs Costa Rica match.  Being the only table that sported the fans of the Netherlands amongst all the Costa Rican supporters, we were the only table cheering at the end of the match when the Netherlands saved two penalties and as a result won the match.

The next day we were off on a tour to that sight that epitomises Rio, Christ the redeemer the statue that overlooks the bay and Sugar Loaf mountain with a lightning tour of Rio.  This is the most beautiful place I have ever been to with its rolling mountains, beautiful scenery and not to mention beautiful people.  Now to prepare my body for the swimming apparel and my next visit ;-)  

  

   

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