Brazil: the world's second choice

A commentator on South African television claimed during Brazil's victory over Ivory Coast, that the Selecao "will be regarded as everyone's second-favourite team at this World Cup". He was partly right.

Brazil's stylish football has earned them fans from all over the world.

JOHANNESBURG // A commentator on South African television channel SuperSport claimed during Brazil's 3-1 victory over Ivory Coast, that the Selecao "will be regarded as everyone's second-favourite team at this World Cup". He was partly right. Rosely Bermudes is shivering. It is Sunday night and the 36-year-old Brazilian is standing in Fifa's Sandton Fan Park waiting for her countrymen to take to the pitch.

The climate is far removed from that of Bermudes's home city, Sao Paulo, but nothing - not even the coldest South African winter in almost a quarter of a century - could stop her supporting her country. For her, much like in Fifa's official rankings, Brazil are No 1. "I am here for 26 days," said Bermudes, the temporary JumboTron screen lighting up her face to display a small Brazilian flag painted on each cheek. "I am sure we will improve and go on to reach the final."

Brazil, as ever, are being supported in South Africa by a mass of canary yellow-clad fans, yet listen for the accents and Portuguese is not predominant. Koreans, Americans, Britons, Mexicans and, of course, South Africans all bask in the beauty of the boys from Brazil. For these supporters, Brazil are No 2. "I love Brazil because of their history, the samba music and all the players that they have in the team," said Neto Quiquez, a Mexican wearing a Brazil cap. "Of course, I support Mexico first, but Brazil will always be my second team."

Jaher Fernandes, Bermudes's Brazilian boyfriend, explains. "Everybody loves Brazil. All of Africa, Central America, Portugal, Japan, England - they all love Brazil because they all love the best football." Recently, however, Dunga, the Brazil coach, has been criticised by his compatriots for his willingness to steer away from tradition and opt for tactical success over "joga bonito" - the beautiful game.

So, is there a risk that if Brazil begin to grind out results the world's armchair supporters will instead start supporting a team that plays a more attractive style - such as the so-far impressive Argentina? "No. Never, never, never," said Dee Ferreira, a South African whose nails are painted in the yellow, green and blue of the Brazilian flag. "My family are Portuguese and my mum was born there, so I support Bafana Bafana, Portugal and Brazil. I could never imagine supporting Argentina. Never." The rivalry between the two South American nations should not be underestimated, although so far here the opposing sets of fans have appeared to get on amicably, eating in the same Latin restaurants and drinking in the same rowdy cafes.

But Bermudes wears her heart on her sleeve when asked who she would like to see lift the World Cup on July 11, if it can not be her beloved Brazil. "Anybody but Argentina," she said laughing. "I would actually really like to see an African team win because they have never done so before, but I know it is not likely." Guille Rodriguez, an Argentine from Buenos Aires, says the feeling is mutual between the neighbouring countries. "Of course, I want Argentina to win and I am confident we can do it, but if we fail, I really hope Brazil don't win," he said. "It would give them six [World Cup] titles and make it even harder for us to catch up with them."

Argentina have won the World Cup twice, their last triumph coming in 1986, spearheaded by Diego Maradona, now their coach. "Maradona is already a god in my country, but if he can beat Brazil and win the World Cup, he will become even bigger," said Rodriguez. "If that's possible." [e-mail]