A victory The 1-0 victory of the women’s soccer team over Nigeria, in the opening match of the Paris Olympics, was celebrated this Thursday (25) at the Fanfest at Parque Villa-Lobos, in the capital of São Paulo. Despite this, the fans who watched the match said that it will be necessary to improve some fundamentals so that, finally, Brazil wins the Olympic gold medal.
“It was a close victory, 1-0. The victory was important because the next games are against Japan and Spain, which are very strong teams. I believe in a medal, but we still have to improve a lot,” said Eduardo da Silva, 43, who went to the fanfest accompanied by his wife and son. “Given the cast, Brazil could have produced more, but there’s the thing about debut nerves.”
For Eduardo, the highlight of the Brazilian team this afternoon was Marta. “Marta is our icon. I hope that other Martas will emerge.” [no Brasil] and that we don’t just stay like this”, he stated.
Fernanda Zaguis, 37, also believes that the team can still improve. “I came here today to cheer for Brazil. The game was good, but we have some areas to improve, such as the defense’s cohesion. We had good opportunities, and Marta shone, as always, making incredible plays. I think that, as the competition progresses, the team’s cohesion will improve even more.”
For Fernanda, the expectation is that Marta can end her cycle in the national team with “a flourish, winning the unprecedented gold medal”.
Gymnast performs at Fanfest From São Paulo – Rovena Rosa/Agência Brasil
Sport and overcoming
Runner Ana Luiza dos Anjos Garcez, better known as Ana Animal, was also at the fanfest from Villa-Lobos Park to cheer for Brazil this afternoon. Known by the São Paulo public for always being present at the main sporting competitions cheering for Brazil, she arrived at fanfest with a special production: she carried a trumpet and had her hair braided in the colors of the national flag. “It hurts to do this hair here. But I can’t be without my look from Brazil”, he joked.
“I came running here. I didn’t even have lunch. It was a rush to get here, but I had time to watch [ao jogo]. I liked Brazil. The girls are feisty, but they need to have more strength to kick. They need to get closer to hit the ball. It can improve a little more. Today I was here screaming, nervous, pulling my hair out,” she emphasized.
Ana Animal, who once lived on the streets of São Paulo, especially in the Cracolândia region, recognizes the importance of sports. It was through sports that she found strength and resilience. “I used to live on the streets. I lived on the streets for 23 years. A former Sports Secretary saw me on TV and asked me if I wanted to get off the streets. He took me out and found me a place to stay. I started running and left everything behind. Thanks to sports, I am here today, alive! If it weren’t for sports, I could be dead or in jail. I love sports,” she said.
Fan space
Climbing wall is an attraction in Fanfest – Rovena Rosa/Agência Brasil
For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, a fanfest official occurs outside the host city. Called the Olympic Festival Parque Time Brasil, the fanfest which was created in Villa-Lobos Park is following, live, the performance of Brazilian athletes in Paris on seven screens installed on site. The program also includes interaction with athletes and former athletes, megashows and a gastronomic area.
On a sunny Thursday afternoon, for example, many parents took their children to watch the women’s soccer team play. And during the break, the children were also able to enjoy the attractions promoted by sponsors, such as the swimming pool. surfthe climbing wall and even a performance by two rhythmic gymnastics athletes.
The festival is an initiative of the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB), in partnership with DC Set Group and Agência Deponto, and will run until August 11, when the Paris Games end. The event organizers expect more than 200,000 people to attend during this period.
