Brazilian Soccer – National Identity

There are so many instances where soccer impacts and defines the country that it is hard to understand how it all began. Historically and factually, this passion began in 1894 when the Englishman Charles Miller arrived in Brazil, bringing balls, materials, and sports manuals. He surely didn’t foresee the impact and significance it would have for decades to come.

Soccer, as a sport, is a team game that simulates duels between attack and defense, forward and defender, dynamic actions on the wings, midfield, i.e., an endless series of variations, with the objective of scoring a goal: a metaphor for success, overcoming challenges, and reaching a target.

It would just be that if soccer took place only within the four lines that demarcate its pitch. However, as anyone remotely familiar with the sport knows, soccer also takes place in the stands, in homes in front of the TV, at the corner bar, and with friends. Soccer is about unity and collectivity.

Over the years that followed Charles Miller’s arrival, the sport underwent several changes. From being a stronghold of the enlightened elite, soccer underwent inevitable popularization, spreading to all corners of the country, in places where even a small space can serve as a pitch. Because soccer is kind and inclusive, a small patch of land is enough to ignite players’ imaginations and transport them to the big stadiums.

Maracanã, Morumbi, Allianz Parque, Itaquerão, Engenhão, Vila Belmiro – numerous Brazilian stadiums have witnessed epic battles where titles were won and glories were achieved: moments that made life more meaningful, both on and off the pitch.

Soccer is a team of people from the neighborhood, of friends, of coworkers. But it is also a clash between nations and regions, allowing smaller, poorer, and less significant countries to face global powers on a relatively equal footing. Cameroon held its own against England in the 1990 World Cup.

South Korea defeated Germany. The United States has lost to Mexico numerous times. This means that the global balance of power and influence is more leveled when there are only 11 players on each side, with defined tactical roles, representing an entire nation.

This possibility has further elevated soccer's importance, linking it to ever more people who see it not just as a sport but as a means of accessing opportunity. A chance.

Yet, against all economic power-driven expectations, the weaker team has a chance of triumphing over the stronger team. “Soccer is 11 against 11” and “the game’s only over when the referee blows the whistle” are phrases that attest to soccer’s unpredictability. Certainty only comes when the match is over and the result is confirmed.

Soccer is like life. As mentioned, both on and off the field. “Ninety million in action,” as the jingle for the 1970 World Cup campaign put it. The 11 on the field represented the Brazilian population during the World Cup campaign in Mexico.

This hasn’t changed. When a team goes out the pitch, millions of fans go with them. It is essential to remember, however, that soccer is a sport and involves rivals. Not enemies. While there is potential for positive representation, there is also room for disputes and violence, which tarnish the sport’s shine.

Peace in stadiums, the harmonious interaction of fans, and the coexistence of rival teams are all part of the hopes we have for soccer and those who play it, on and off the pitch. This is something every sports lover should keep in mind and act upon.