The first thing that strikes walking through Abu Dhabi airport as Monday ticks into Tuesday is the number of Palmeiras fans who have made the long trip.
Dark green shirts are everywhere. Passport control, the baggage carousels, the remarkably efficient Covid-19 testing centre is full of excited Brazilians, hopeful of a second world title.
A few hours later it looks like half of Sao Paulo has turned up at the hotel breakfast, one table already working through their songbook more than 10 hours before their semi-final against Al Ahly kicks off.
