Linked

Ik heb deze bijdrage eerst op LinkedIn gezet en deel het nu hier.

 Living in Brazil gives you the advantage to feel football. Being interested in sports this is an unique opportunity for me to explore this. 

Everyday there is something to experience related to this game. It is a way out of the favela for talented players. It’s a religion to spectators and it as a way of life for the club fans. The football club is everything. Put your money where the heart is. “You don’t choose to be Botafogo, but you are chosen by it”. 

Last Saturday Botafogo played. There was a huge fan side at the club premises in Botafogo. There were Botafogo shirts everywhere in the streets and in the cafes in Rio all tv screens showed Botafogo. A lot of fans followed their team to Buenos Aires for the final in the Copa Libertadores as well. 

Botafogo overcame playing with 10 men to win its first ever Copa Libertadores title after beating fellow Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro 3-1 in the final at Monumental de Nunez Stadium on Saturday.

After just 30 seconds, midfielder Gregore, one of Botafogo’s best players, hit the head of Fausto Vera with his foot and was given a straight red card. History is written. With 10 men winning this Champions League equivalent for South America. 

I am a neutral sports fan in this. I am watching and observing this all. It proved to me once again that football is different. 

Atletico was the huge favorite based on past results against Botafogo and also in this competition. Atletico played the whole match against ten players from Botafogo. They had 80% ball possession. Shots on target 5 against 4 for Botafogo. Seven corners against 0. Shots 23-9. 

But Botafogo won 3-1!

Football is a low scoring game where you need to take your chances. 

Boring? Not for Brazilian football fans.

Note to myself: follow the passion.