Watching the World Cup in Rio

'Futebol' is everywhere in Rio

It’s football to us Brits, soccer to North Americans and Futebol to Brazilians – call it what you like, but never underestimate the importance of the ‘Beautiful Game’ in Brazil.

This is a country that prides itself on having some of the most skillful players in the world, and with just a few months to go until the start of the World Cup, Rio is already gearing up to cheer on its national side in typical frenzied fashion.

As Brazil itself will host the World Cup in four years’ time, the 2010 tournament in South Africa loses out slightly in the excitement stakes, but that’s not to say that futebol fever will not set in the minute the whistle blows for the start of Brazil’s first game.

Major international football games bring the entire city to a near standstill, as all eyes are trained on the nearest TV screen.

Whatever your own nationality, you’ll be expected to join Brazilians in rooting for their national side (you’re excused if Brazil are playing against your home country, but you should sneak off to a ‘gringo pub’ to watch the sporting action unfold).

To get into the spirit of things, grab yourself a Brazilian football shirt – this doesn’t have be an expensive official version, anything with the national colors and flag will suffice, and these are sold at street stalls and on pavement flagstones across the city.

Once you’re kitted out, head to any bar with a TV screen – those with big screens are obviously the most popular choices, so arrive early if you want to bag a prime position.

Once the footballing action kicks off you’ll soon be caught up in the frenzy of it all – expect to become very familiar with Portuguese swear words as the locals vent their anger at everybody from the referee to their own players.

Fireworks explode across the city every time Brazil come anywhere close to scoring a goal, and you can expect riotous parties in the event of a Brazilian victory.

Should the country succeed in gaining its sixth World Cup title, the parties will be legendary. Put the Champagne on ice.