MY IMPRESSIONS OF BRAZIL VS MEXICO’S GAME
Yesterday, Jun 17th was Brazil’s second game in the World Cup. This time I decided to watch the game in Astoria, home to many Brazilians in NYC. I was curious to see if it was possible to feel the same vibe one feels when watching soccer on Brazilian soil.
My choice was Beija-Flor (which means hummingbird in Portuguese) a typically bustling restaurant packed with people uniformly dressed in yellow shirts with their eyes glued to the huge screen. A promising environment for a tough dispute with “los hermanos.”
After ordering my caipirinha (Brazil’s national cocktail) along with some delicious salgadinhos (savory pastry) and making new acquaintance, I was ready to watch Brazil give Mexico an “Olé!”
But half way through the game, nothing remarkable had really happened, besides a brilliant performance by Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who made saves on four goal attempts; but neither Brazil nor Mexico had scored. It was disappointing to say the least.
I guess that myself and everyone else in the place had underestimated Mexico’s ability, and people were getting worried. Thankfully, a second round of caipirinha and some more salgadinhos arrived at my table. If Brazil is not scoring I can still enjoy some authentic yummy food right?
By now there were only few minutes left before the end of the game, and some of my fellow Brazilian friends were showing signs of disappointment. The game ended in 0-0 draw. It wasn’t Brazil’s day. I guess it happens in soccer and in any sport for that matter, but it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Some people were actually satisfied with the result, saying that it was a tough game, and under the circumstances Brazil had done a good job.
Despite it being an exciting game, I wasn’t satisfied with the 0-0 draw. I believe Brazil could have done better, and will have to make some adjustments, but I am getting into technical analysis here. This is something I leave for Brazil’s coach Felipão. Hopefully he is on top of his game and will do what it has to be done.
As for the Brazilians in Astoria, they didn’t disappoint, and showed they still have the country’s party spirit!
Next up is Cameroon* on Monday on the 23rd, the third and final round of group games!
*I want to make an interesting remark: in Portuguese Cameroon is spelled “Camarões” which means shrimp! So I am getting ready to have some grilled shrimp (camarões) for lunch next Monday! 
Vai Brazil!!