By Priscila Borst
The next World Cup or Copa do Mundo is only 18 months away and the anticipation of this big event is changing Brazil, the host nation, bringing dreams and hope to life. Brazil’s economy is booming with big projects and investments underway in preparation for the event. The Olympics or Olimpíadas will follow shortly after in 2016, giving Brasileiros (Brazilians) a lot to look forward to. Rio, where the final match of the World Cup will be played, is undergoing lots of renovations including the construction of a new stadium. Visitors can watch work unfold from the Torre de Vidro (Glass Tower) built especially for the occasion. Currently, 200 hotels are under construction while another 170 are slated to open within the next three years.
Beginning June 12 and ending July 13, the World Cup will take place in 12 different states. The Maracanã stadium in Rio, hosting seven games in all including the decisive match, is the biggest futebol (soccer) venue in the country with a capacity of 76,935. But the development doesn’t stop there. As the country prepares for the influx of visitors, airports and public transportation are also being renovated.
Futebol (soccer) is like a religion for Brasileiros. Although Brazilians are also passionate about other sports such as volleyball, basketball and Formula 1, everyone will be focusing on futebol as “The Beautiful Game” or O Jogo Maravilhoso begins.
With its passionate people and amazing diversity of attractions such as Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), the beach in Copacabana, Ipanema – made famous by the song Garota de Ipanema (Girl from Ipanema) and the iconic Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), Rio is attracting the world’s attention not just for these two events but for all it has to offer. To be there as Brazil hosts the greatest tournament on earth will definitely be a once in a life time experience. This all makes it a great time to start learning Brazilian Portuguese and plan a trip.
Venha para o Brasil (Come to Brasil)!
