RIO DE JANEIRO // The morning after the night before, Rio de Janeiro woke up depressed and dreary.
Thursday was supposed to be a joyful day, the day after Argentina confirmed their seat at the slaughterhouse; the first of three days of taunting before Brazilians would get their wish and crush their South American rivals on the world’s biggest stage at a world famous arena.
Germany dashed such dreams; the Europeans' stylish and relentless passing was too much for the hosts, who were down and out within 29 minutes of a 7-1 humiliation.
Words such as “shame” and “embarrassment” and “nightmare” were used in the next day’s newspapers, yet it would get worse.
Argentina’s narrow victory over Holland on Wednesday ensured they kept their end of the deal, putting them in their first World Cup final for 24 years and intensifying Brazil’s absence.
When Rio woke up on Thursday, it seemed to be as miserable as its residents, a charcoal grey firmament complemented only with heavy rain and a thick mist.
The only way the pain of such a historical defeat could be exacerbated, Brazilians say, is if Lionel Messi and his teammates lift the trophy at Estadio Maracana on Sunday night.
An Argentine victory in Brazil’s backyard would be the ultimate insult, eclipsing Uruguay’s shock victory in 1950 and usurping Germany’s mauling on Tuesday.
Argentina brought the biggest support of any of the 31 visiting nations, and it is expected to mushroom with an estimated 100,000 fans expected in Rio by kickoff.
Many have driven over the border and are sleeping in camper vans and buses, and tents on the beach.
They have been chanting abuse at their hosts for weeks, asking “how does it feel to have daddy in your house” – a song that, depending on the occasion, can be referencing either Messi or Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic church.
For the most part, Brazilians have remained admirably good humoured, even after their humbling in Belo Horizonte.
When Argentinians hold up two hands and seven fingers to their neighbours, the Brazilian response is witty and withering: thanks for pointing out that we have five World Cup titles and you have only two.
Neymar, the tournament poster boy and one of few Brazilian players who will finish the tournament with his reputation enhanced, said he will be supporting Argentina because the team includes two of his Barcelona teammates, Messi and Javier Mascherano.
That feeling is certainly not prevalent, and there is much cynicism regarding its sincerity.
“Argentina winning the World Cup in Brazil would be the worst day of my life and the worst day in Brazil’s football history,” said Sydney dos Santos Parreira, a receptionist from Sao Paulo. “After what happened against Germany, I think it would be too much. It would be unbearable.”
Jose da Silva, also of Sao Paulo, said: “I can hardly imagine how bad it would be. Maybe if we hadn’t lost 7-1 it wouldn’t have been so bad, but if Argentina win now they will make fun of us for the rest of their lives.”
Before the tournament started, there was concern that Argentine hooligans would travel to Brazil and violence could occur.
Customs authorities prevented 2,100 known hooligans from entering the country, while 40 fans have been detained either at the border or inside the stadiums. Trouble has not been a problem.
Tomorrow, with local media predicting Brazilians will turn out in white tomorrow to show their allegiance to Germany, emotions are sure to run high.
No risks will be taken. Authorities will double police numbers around the Maracana, with about 11,500 expected to line the streets. Brazil’s justice ministry said it would also raise the number of soldiers from 500 to 1,000.
“If Argentina win, there could be little skirmishes, but it is not going to be war on the streets,” said Vanessa Ruiz, a Brazilian journalist. “You saw that even when we lost 7-1. We enter denial state.”
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
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