The pandemic, last-minute hosting, some nondescript games, and the fact that the most popular broadcaster isn’t showing the Copa America have all reduced fan interest.
Published: July 06, 2021 11:01 AM |
Last updated: July 06, 2021 11:01 am
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People protest against Brazil’s Copa America football tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic and against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia. (Photo | AP)
RIO DE JANEIRO: Football fans of the chic Piraquê club in Rio de Janeiro can’t wait to gather again at the bar next to a swimming pool to battle great players in overcrowded stadiums for a big tournament trophy while they sip caipirinhas in peace.
Although the Copa America is taking place in their city, they are actually looking forward to Italy playing against Spain for the European Championship final on Tuesday.
Brazil and Peru met also met in the semi-finals on Monday, but the Brazilian fans were far less interested in the tournament than usual. That didn’t change much after the hosts of the Copa America moved into the deciding round on Saturday after a 1-0 win against Peru.
The pandemic, last-minute hosting, some nondescript games, and the fact that the most popular channel doesn’t show the Copa America have all reduced fan interest.
« The Copa America is never much fun, but this time it’s even less fun, ”said Thomas Castro as he planned to meet up with friends for Euro 2020 on Tuesday. “My mother would never know the Copa was going if I didn’t tell. I watch Brazil at home, but there is no atmosphere like in Europe with fans and everything. ”
No tourist arriving in Rio would notice that a big football tournament is taking place in the city. There are no banners, no advertising and no anticipation, unlike two years ago when Brazil was also host after years of planning and construction.
Many Cariocas, as the locals are called, do not strictly adhere to the recommendations social distancing, but that doesn’t mean they are willing to spend time outside their homes to watch the Copa.
The streets around Nilton Santos Stadium were hard to tell when there were seven Copa Games were played. The few street carts that sell food only attract journalists, staff and some locals playing around the gates of the empty stadium.
« I made a few dollars, which always happens during the pandemic, » said Celso David who ran a hamburger stand outside the stadium. “It’s not that different from other events we’ve done recently. When Brazil hosted the Copa in 2019 it was a little better, more people came from other countries and Brazilian tourists. ”
Brazil agreed to be an emergency host after Argentina and Colombia were withdrawn as organizers. Despite the urging of President Jair Bolsonaro, a critic of the lockdown, no fans are allowed inside the stadiums. It will be the same at the final on Saturday in the Maracana Stadium.
In Rio and in the three other host cities, Brasilia, Goiania and Cuiabá, many movement restrictions still apply. But the biggest hurdle for the Copa America in Brazil was the fans. They couldn’t go to games, nor were they very interested in seeing them on TV.
« Is it still on? » asked housewife Maria Cristina Teli. “I sometimes watch the Brazilian championship, but this Copa America… I haven’t seen any games this time. Will Brazil play Argentina at some point? ”
Brazil’s dominant TV globo will broadcast some Euro 2020 matches instead of the Copa America, which will be broadcast on cable on the country’s third most popular open channel, SBT, and on ESPN Brasil. The SBT soccer ratings are usually a third of Globos, which has proven to be constant this time around.
Bars in the tourist areas of Rio show Copa America games and have been allowed by health authorities with tables two meters apart since May stay open late.
But so far no games have generated enough interest to attract large gatherings. The bars that look overcrowded in Rio, especially in the posh Leblon neighborhood, have no TVs and are full of flirtatious, scared youngsters.
The organizers hope that some of this gloomy mood will change when Neymar beats Brazil in the final Lionel Messi’s Argentina can be seen. But that could also be a fight.
« Yes, if we play against Argentina, I’ll definitely see it, » said housewife Teli. « Which channel will it run on? »
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