Protests in Brazil - Own goal in football nation

Protesters in Brazil

No one expects a nation that has been home to immortals like Pele/Ronaldo/Ronaldinho/Socrates and has produced a World Cup winning team over two decades, to say something like “We don’t need the World Cup”, particularly when it is hosting it.

But then, it is this oblivion that is also a part of the problem.

While World Cups come along with uncontainable amounts of anticipation, it has been a little different on this occasion, especially with the host nation showing a different emotion altogether. Taking the world by surprise through its large protests against prevailing economic and social conditions, Brazil has thrown the rest of the world off its feet; this time, though, outside of the field.

And while it has created an awakening amongst its own people, to raise their voices, it has simultaneously managed to draw the attention of the global citizen towards what could be easily overlooked and concealed under the guise of the ‘World Cup’.

The vocal discontent that spread on the city streets and famous sub-lanes of Brazil this year, will go down in not just political and social history, but also deep within the scorebook of World Cup history. What it brings attention to, is the fact that the people of a nation and their true sentiments cannot be overshadowed under the celebrated colours of such an event – even if it is the most popular one on earth.

With all this distraction, one wonders whether the substance of the craze for this ball game will be maintained in the year to come. Whatever it may be, it must be ensured that the game is utilised to serve its true purpose – raise the human spirit and exemplify the good that can be inspired through it.

How significant is it now, that the Brazil team win the World Cup for its people? How shall a yellow-jersey glory impact the mindset and attitude of the people in this South American nation, post such a scenario? Will a victory amplify their voices to be stronger in the future; or will it act as a subservient to such uprisings, thereby trivialising any unfavourable existing social state or structure?

Subsequently, how will a poor on-field performance act, and be acted upon? Many-a-question as these would be answered in 2014, in the nation of football.

And many more will need to be answered by its government, post 13 July, when the World cup shall end.

“Joga Bonito.”