1970 World Cup winner Rivelino has stated that the usual fervence associated with Brazil’s fans and culture is lacking- two weeks before the tournament kicks off in Sao Paulo.
Corinthians and Fluminense legend Rivelino, now 68, won 92 caps for Selecao as an attacking midfielder and told reporters: “Brazilian people are afraid. We realise the public are too concerned with what may happen in the demonstrations.”
“Before, the streets would already be flowery green and yellow. When Brazil was chosen seven years ago, nobody complained, everyone hugged.”
Public unrest has beset Brazil’s preparations for hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1950, with government-based protestations occuring on a reguar basis; some of the more vocal demonstrators have declared the World Cup as the perfect base from which to make themselves heard, although FIFA have played down any fears and insisted that football will not be affected by other factors this summer.
