Samba before sunrise

Brazil celebrates quarterfinal win over England

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) -- In the cool of a winter's night Brazilians jumped for joy on Copacabana beach on Friday as Brazil swept into the semifinal of the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over England in Japan.

"It was Brazil's best game so far, we can now go on and win the cup," said jubilant Robson Oliveira, a 31-year-old trader.

His 21-year-old girlfriend Michelle Rodriguez added, "Everyone is so happy. Football is everything to us."

Brazilian football has been in decline since 1998 and the four-time world champion only just managed to qualify for the World Cup finals in Japans.

The fans, many of them wearing yellow Brazilian shirts, hugged each other and unfurled a huge flag in this fun-loving, exotic city.

Fireworks exploded in all directions and pennant-festooned cars honked their horns as they swept along the famous Copacabana seafront of hotels, bars and nightclubs.

Despite a 3:30 a.m. (0630 GMT) kick-off, millions of Brazilians in this football crazy country got up to watch what was widely regarded as the key match for Brazil.

In Tijuca district on the industrial north side of Rio de Janeiro, thousands crowded around a giant TV screen set up in a street covered with yellow and green pennants and flags.

When England's Michael Owen scored the first goal against the run of play in the 23rd minute there was an eerie silence.

But when Brazil's Rivaldo equalized just before half-time there was pandemonium.

"It's just fantastic. Brazil must win now," said 45-year-old messenger Aderaiz, struggling to make himself heard in the din.

English fans at the Lord Jim pub in the chic ocean front Ipanema district on Rio's south side were realistic.

"Brazil are faster and have better players such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho," said Richard Laver, a 25-year-old interpreter.

Brazil's soccer success is seen giving the Latin American giant a much needed psychological boost amid its financial woes fueled by growing fears of a leftist victory in presidential elections in October. Brazil's real currency has fallen 16 percent against the dollar since Jan. 1.

It may also give a boost to government candidate Jose Serra, currently trailing far behind Workers' Party leader Ignacio Lula.

 

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