THE sights and sounds of the samba boys and girls echoed across the bottom of Strand Road last night as the town’s Brazilian community gathered for their nation’s opening World Cup game.
About 50 Brazilian students from the ITT packed into the top of the Huddle Bar in a sea of yellow and green as Neymar and company took their first steps onto the field of play in this World Cup…and it was noisy!
“Of course Brazil are going to be the next champions, because we’re hosting the World Cup. We have a good team and we know how to play beautiful football, we’re going to beat Argentina 5-0 in the final!” said Matheus Castro.
“I really wish I was at home at the moment as I was talking to my brother on the phone and he said it was madness,” he added.
“We’re so excited about the World Cup and I’m pretty sure we’re going to win” said Hrenan Hribearo.
Tralee’s Brazilians show their colours in the Huddle Bar before their opening World Cup match against Croatia. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Although all were not as enthusiastic about the ‘Samba Boys’ chances. “I don’t think we have many chances, I know our team, but I hope we go as far as possible obviously,” said Fredirico Humberto.
Brazil got off to a good start anyway with a 3-1 win against Croatia with talisman and face of the World Cup Neymar netting twice.
In the lead up to the World Cup there have been demonstrations protesting the World Cup right across Brazil. How did the Huddle customers feel about it?
“I don’t agree with the demonstrations, the World Cup is a time for celebration, people can demonstrate after,” said Matheus Castro.
As far as Brazilians in Tralee go its ‘Carnaval’ time. Perhaps if the weather and their chances keep up they will turn Banna strand into our very own Copacabana.
Brazil fans take their place right in front of the big screen in the Huddle Bar for their opening game of the World Cup against Croatia. Photo Gavin O’Connor
Getting ready to cheer on the Samba Boys in their opening match of the World Cup against Croatia were from left: Elizabeth Nenno, Raylla Araujo, Samua Kelne. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
Flying the flag for Brazil’s opening match of the World Cup against Croatia were from left: Matheus Castro and Hrenan Hribearo
A see of yellow as Brazil fans get ready to roar on their side in the Huddle bar before the opening match of the World Cup against Croatia. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
‘Carnaval’ in Strand Road as Brazilians dance a Samba beat before their opening match of the World Cup against Croatia. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Eu sou brasileira com muito orgulho com muito amoooor! (8)
Representaram muito bem. Animação total… gostei.
I left Tralee for London 25 years ago this month after my Leaving Cert from Pres, it’s so wonderful seeing how diverse Tralee has become over the past 10 – 15 years!