RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Soccer fans at the fancy Piraquê club in Rio de Janeiro can’t wait to once again gather at the bar beside a swimming pool to watch great…
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Soccer fans at the fancy Piraquê club in Rio de Janeiro can’t wait to once again gather at the bar beside a swimming pool to watch great players fight for a major tournament trophy in crowded stadia while they calmly sip on caipirinhas. Though the Copa America is taking place in their city, they are actually looking forward to Italy vs. Spain playing on Tuesday to reach the final of the European Championship. Brazil and Peru were also meeting in a semifinal on Monday but Brazilian fans have been far more disinterested in the tournament than usual. The pandemic, the last-minute hosting, some unimpressive matches, and the fact that the most popular broadcaster is not showing the Copa America have cut down the fans’ interest. “The Copa America is never much fun, but this time even less,” Thomas Castro said as he planned to meet friends for Tuesday’s Euro 2020 clash. “My mom would never know the Copa is on if I didn’t tell. I watch Brazil at home, but there’s no atmosphere like you see in Europe with fans and all.” No tourists arriving in Rio would notice there’s a major soccer tournament taking place in the city. There’s no banners, no ads, and no anticipation evident, unlike two years ago when Brazil also hosted after years of planning and buildup.
