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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Rodrygo

Football is at the centre of the universe in Brazil in a way it is not in the US

Gabriel Martinelli is engulfed by his teammates after he scores the winner against Japan
Exciting football, when it is played well, makes Brazilian eyes light up. Photograph: Lars Baron/Getty Images

The World Cup atmosphere, which, for many of us, is one of the most infectious feelings there is, has, in the US been confined to the stadiums, the surrounding streets and fan festivals. This has been played out before and comes as no surprise. Football has limited traction in North American culture.

This highlights how different it is being in the US to being in Brazil, where I am now after following the national team in North America. Football’s extremely important role in Brazilian culture explains why the national team at the World Cup is the centre of our universe.

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