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The World Cup is now an all-European affair after Brazil was unceremoniously dumped by a rock-solid French defense. I am in Houston this weekend and had to go to Buffalo Wild Wings to catch the action. Last time I was here, Germany kicked off the World Cup by an reassuring victory against minnows Costa Rica. The place, as I had mentioned was full and had its share of vociferous Costa Rican fans. Well, if that was exciting, this quarterfinal match was exhilirating. The place was absolutely packed with mostly Brazilian fans, complete with drums and trumpets and of course, Brazilian women (need I say more?) draped in yellow and green.
The match was already underway by the time we were done panicking trying to find a place to park. We had planned on having our lunch here but I could easily see that wasn’t going to happen any time soon. We dived right into the crazy Brazilian fans with a beer to keep us cool. The excitement was pure adrenaline infused with hope that their nation would live up to the hype generated by the media that expected Brazil to lift the trophy for the record sixth time.
The drum never stopped beating and the trumpets went on blaring even after France silenced them for just an instant in the 52nd minute. Each time the Brazilians entered the danger zone, the crowd went into a frenzy of Ole’ only to be followed by prolonged exclaimations of “Ooooooh.” There was a lone Frenchman at the back where we were standing who would cheer and clap each time the French would make a move. Initially I feared for his safety but then realized that everyone was out to have a nice time and no ugliness would prevail. The Brazilians kept chanting and cheering hoping their team would put one in to equalize. I was hoping they put two in so that I would have to stand for 30 more minutes.
But unfortunately that wasn’t to happen. The French repeated their 1998 final performance as Zidane, Henry, and Ribery lifted their game just enough to crush a million Brazilian hearts. Everyone at Buffalo Wild Wings went silent, refusing to believe what had just happened. Few tears were shed too. The drum was silent now and the samba had died as people slowly trooped out. Brazil was out but everyone had a great time.
by Patrix | on Sunday, July 2nd, 2006 at 12:38 pm | 
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July 3rd, 2006 at 6:40 am reply
I was wondering - does this kind of crowd help or hamper the business of Buffalo Wild Wings? Like you said - you were not able to order any food. There might have been other, non-soccer fans turned away by the crowd. Does the drum beating crowd order enough food and beer to make it worth-while? Escpecially with a chain store like BWW ?
Where I watched the game for while, I noticed quite a few people entering and not ordering anything. But it was a mom-and-pop Italian pizza joint where the owner (wearing the Italian jersey and all) himself really got into the proceedings and did not seem to mind.
July 3rd, 2006 at 12:14 pm reply
More than Henry and anyone else it was simple Zidane magic. He was left unmarked and free to do whatever he wanted to.
I do wonder, with all this focus on Ronaldo, what went wrong with Ronaldinho, did the coach did him in? Remarkably enough, all big teams who lost in quarters, Argentina, England and Brazil could blame their coach for some huge tactical errors. Peckarman I thought, virtually gifted the game away.
Brazilian woman? Er…with them around I hope they were on your face kinds..if you know what I mean :)
July 3rd, 2006 at 3:42 pm reply
Bongo, They had segregated the bar section which basically hosted standing room only for the game from the seating area. Both sections had the game though. I guess, they are letting it pass for these games coz it might end soon. They might not have tolerated it if it lasted longer but after calling their outlets World Cup Headquarters, I guess they were asking for it.
Confused, I have observed that hyped up players in recent times have failed to live up to the mark. Ronaldo in 98, Figo in 02 and now Ronaldinho in 06. Probably it is a ego tussle with the coaches but Ronaldinho seems like a genial chap…probably his season with FC Barcelona tired him out.
Brazilian women in my face? Well, Ash was with me so I guess, nothing of the sort happened :)