Brazil / Ghana Futbol Game

The really good Brazil soccer team was in London playing a "friendly", a game that doesn't affect a team's league standings. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to see them play, even if it was on a school night. What a party it was!

Originally, Brazil was scheduled to play a friendly in Cairo, Egypt, but it was deemed not safe due to the political unrest there. So a last minute change had them playing against Ghana instead in London at the Fulham stadium known as the Craven Cottage.

The excitement began well before the game. Lexi was wearing a scarf from a previous Brazil match. As we walked in to Pizza Express for dinner, the guy seating us noticed the scarf and started talking to us in Portuguese. We had to explain we were only supporters, not Brazilian.

As we made our way to the stadium the crowds were colorfully decked out in their team's colors.

Brazil fan

Ghana fans

Confused fans?

This Brazil fan was having his picture taken with anyone apparently. He had a replica of the World Cup trophy and was wearing a shirt signed by one of the players.

We sat in the section at one end of the field designated for the Brazilian supporters. This is where the fans had huge drums and loud horns. People were chanting and gyrating to the drum beats. The crowd in our section stood up the entire game. On the opposite side of the field were the die-hard Ghana fans and they were just as boisterous. It was definitely an upbeat atmosphere.

Ronaldinho

Before the game

At half-time we were treated(?) to scantily-clad female Brazilian dancers with huge headdresses doing a samba dance to yet more drummers on the field. It was not your typical half-time entertainment. But then again, this was not your typical English Premier League soccer game.

Final score Brazil 1 Ghana 0