A host of factors dull soccer fans' love for Copa America in Brazil
1/5
Waiting for the greats
According to an AP report, soccer fans at the fancy Piraquê club in Rio de Janeiro can't wait to once again gather at the bar beside a swimming pool to watch great players fight for a major tournament trophy in crowded stadiums while they calmly sip on caipirinhas.
2/5
General disinterest
Though the Copa America is taking place in their city, they are actually looking forward to Italy vs Spain playing today to reach the final of the European Championship. Brazil and Peru were also meeting in a semifinal on Monday but Brazilian fans have been far more disinterested in the tournament than usual.
3/5
Waning popularity
The pandemic, the last-minute hosting, some unimpressive matches, and the fact that the most popular broadcaster is not showing the Copa America have cut down the fans' interest. "The Copa America is never much fun, but this time even less," Thomas Castro said as he planned to meet friends for Tuesday's Euro 2020 clash.
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4/5
No visual cues
No tourists arriving in Rio would notice there's a major soccer tournament taking place in the city. There are no banners, no ads, and no anticipation evident, unlike two years ago when Brazil also hosted after years of planning and buildup.
5/5
Neymar vs Messi
Organisers hope some of that gloom will change if the final features Neymar's Brazil against Lionel Messi's Argentina. But even that could be a struggle. "Yes, if we play Argentina I will definitely see," housewife Teli said. “Which channel will it be on?