People tend to dress fairly casual, even in business situations, in Brazil. So it may come to no surprise that I often see people at the local government office where we're working wearing football jerseys of their favorite team to work. Die-hard fans have plenty of car regalia, mobile ringtones, and even tattoos in some cases of their favorite team. FIFA football is a way of life in Brazil, and Manaus is as proud as could be about their involvement in the 2014 games. People mention it daily. Children likely imagine themselves playing in the World Cup when they play matches in the parks on the weekend.
Our driver, Monteiro, is no exception in his love for football. Well, his love of the sport is exceptional in the sense that probably 10 minutes don't pass without Monteiro thinking of the game. When walking from the car to the office, he'll often give a practice kick with his foot in the air, daydreaming right along with the kids in the park.
So I was rather honored when Monteiro invited me to play
Actually, what we'll be playing isn't football, but an abbreviated style of the game, with a smaller field, five people to a side, and a smaller ball. Monteiro said this style of the game is called futebol de salão, or futsal. We'll be playing in the evening since it's too hot in Manaus to play while the sun is out.
I'm expecting the other people there will be fairly serious about the game, even a casual, weekend futsal match amongst friends. So it's a good thing that Monteiro is rather protective of me (note: I'm in charge of payroll); he said he would bring me some shin guards. But, actually, I think Monteiro mentioned that our translator, Ary, and tech staff, Armando, will be joining us, so it should be a fun evening.
(The picture is of Charles Miller, revered "Father of Brazilian football" and inventor of futsal)
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