How to Get the Most Out of Watching Football in Brazil

Although the recent results of Brazil’s national football team have not been exactly glorious (yeah, the 2014 World Cup loss to Germany still hurts), be in no doubt: Brazil is still the soccer country! Watching football in Brazil is an amazing, must-do experience. The energy, the people singing and supporting their teams, the performances on the seats… You simply can’t miss out on this spectacle!

Because of the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, and the upcoming Olympic Games, sports infrastructure has been much improved in recent years, with bigger and better stadiums. However, it’s important to know a little bit of the country’s soccer culture to be able to enjoy it. So, here are some tips for being a winner while watching football in Brazil.

Brazil Football: How to Get the Most Out of Watching Football in Brazil

People yell a lot. Don’t worry.

Going to see their team play is one way that many people release their stress. In Brazil there’s a saying that we are a nation of 200 million soccer coaches. We all have an opinion about how the coaches should conduct the team, and we’re not afraid to shout it out loud. So, when in the stadium, supporters tend to be very vocal and can shout some really bad stuff. There’s no need to be alarmed, though. Usually they revert back to regular human beings when the game is over.

Be aware of who is around you.

That being said, there are still people who get furious when their team plays against another local team, games we call “classics”. If the behavior of the people around you seems offensive or even dangerous, don’t hesitate to get away from them as fast as you can. Violence isn’t common, but it does occur sometimes.

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Choose your seat wisely.

In Brazil, there are something called torcida organizada, organized supporters. They are like very dedicated groups of supporters who prepare special songs, posters, flags and other ways of showing their team their support. They usually have designated seats in the stadiums. I don’t recommend staying too close to them for two reasons: 1. When there are fights, they are always involved. 2. Their support is often a really good spectacle and is really beautiful to watch at a distance.

If you want to buy tickets, ask your hotel for help, or ask your host to get the right seats for you.

Brazilians absolutely hate when someone starts to shout GOL! (goal!) before it’s actually happened! Never, ever do this!

Keep clothing simple.

In my opinion, you should dress the way you want wherever you want – after all, Brazil is a free country. But if you want to get into the dress code of the stadium, consider getting a shirt of the team you’re supporting and forget high heels, jewelry, or any clothes that look too “fancy”. People usually dress very comfortably when they’re going to stadiums, as it’s a very casual place. Also, you’ll be searched by the police when entering, so be careful with what you have in your purse – umbrellas, mirrors, knives and water bottles are not allowed.

Hold on, fangirl!

I know, sometimes when we see someone super famous up close we get a little crazy. However, it’s not usual in Brazil to publicly demonstrate all your love for the players–the other spectators could get mad at you for disturbing them.

Also keep in mind that Brazilians absolutely hate when someone starts to shout GOL! (goal!) before it’s actually happened! Never, ever do this.

Other than that, Brazilians are super friendly and will be happy to share their passion for soccer with you. So enjoy!

Brazil Football: How to Get the Most Out of Watching Football in Brazil photo credit: unsplash.