MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2014
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
PAGE 10
Student, alumnus experience Cup culture in Brazil
ERIN ORRICK
news@kansan.com
Lawrence doesn't exactly scream "World Cup hot spot," but that doesn't mean the Jayhawk name isn't being dutiful represented in the Cup's host nation, Brazil.
In fact, quite a few current and former University of Kansas students are soaking up the South American sun (and rain) during the World Cup's month-long stay.
While soccer is not the most popular sport in the United States (that honor goes to American football), it's the most popular sport in the world, which makes the World Cup quite the spectacle every four years. This year is no different, but circumstances leading up to Brazil's hosting of this prestigious tournament were all but smooth sailing.
Brad Brooks, the Associated Press bureau chief and a 1997 University graduate, has been working and living in Brazil for the past five years and has seen first-hand the effect, responsibility and criticism that a country endures when hosting an enormous global event.
"There has been this undercurrent of discontent among Brazilians," Brooks said. "Many believe that the money that went into building stadiums and financing the World Cup should have been used for improving more important resources, like schools. The buildup has created social unrest and upheaval."
Tanner Buzick, a junior from Olathe, is spending the summer in Natal, Brazil as a FIFA intern. Buzick works in the media department of Arenas Das Dunas, coordinating a team of sideline photographers. He
has also noticed the unsteady scene in many of the tournament's host cities.
"I went into this World Cup thinking the atmosphere could be the best ever," Buzick said. "I mean, it is Brazil and the World Cup, that's an amazing mix. With that being said, there are millions of Brazilians here that do not want the World Cup in their country."
The months and weeks leading up to the World Cup have been riddled with local residents protesting, resulting in one gigantic transportation nightmare. The construction initiated to help the flow of World Cup traffic in Natal has yet to be completed, leaving most of the city's essential infrastructure crippled, Buzick said.
The local buses have also gone on strike, leaving taxis or walking as the only means of transportation. Buzick said this transportation distress affected a few thousand people at the FIFA Fan Fest, live viewing parties for fans from around the world.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Switzerland's Haris Seferovic, right, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the group E World Cup soccer match between Switzerland and Ecuador at the Estadio Nacional in Brasília, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014.
"After the [first] match was over we ended up having to walk nearly two miles just to find rides, and I'm sure some people walked even farther," Buzick said. "People are being advised to go to the stadiums at least three hours before the games to make sure they get in on time."
Despite the setbacks, Brooks said he's convinced that Brazil's ability to showcase itself and its love of soccer will overcome any negativity.
"Brazilians are good about being able to separate government from their love of soccer," Brooks said. "This is Brazil's chance to present itself to the world. Soccer will win out this month."
Brooks said turmoil had somewhat dampened Brazilians' World Cup excitement, but it's quickly on the rise
now that the tournament is underway.
"Honestly, in 2002 there was more excitement," he said. "It's building up now, though. People are getting excited."
Buzick agreed and said he's seen some extravagant cultural displays of Brazil's and other nations' affection for soccer.
"From my hotel room I heard fireworks all night celebrating Brazil's win [against Croatia] combined with Mexican fans in the streets chanting, 'Ole' until early in the morning," Buzick said.
Every day Brazil has a match has been deemed a national holiday. Buzick said the flags of the eight nations that will play matches in Natal, including the United States, cover much of the city. Huge soccer ball lights and World Cup signs can be seen everywhere.
"Now, more than ever, I realize how much the rest of the world loves soccer," Buzick said. "It's like taking the passion we have for all of our main sports and combining it into one."
Although Brooks doesn't have the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup as a spectator, he is happy to be in the atmosphere while covering the event.
Edited by Kaitlyn Klein and Emma LeGault
"It's a huge amount of work," Brooks said. "I manage a large group of journalists. For a month, its 14- to 15-hour days of extremely intense journalism. I love it, though."
Buzick will attend two of the United States' group play matches, beginning with their first against Ghana, airing Monday at 5 p.m. on ESPN.