Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says their Confederations Cup semifinal against Uruguay in Belo Horizonte is a chance to provide a huge morale boost for a nation in turmoil after days of protests against corruption and maladministration.
“This is a crucial moment for the Brazilian team,” said Scolari as he looked forward to Wednesday’s Confederations Cup semi-final in Belo Horizonte against South American champions Uruguay.
“The things we are doing to build a better country will not be in vain if we can keep this up. Find a better life together and not fighting against each other. Then we can live in the country we always longed for.”
The importance of football can hardly be overstated in Brazil, and most fans still back the hosting of next year’s World Cup, despite anger at a 15 billion dollar bill - many insist the money could have been better sent on showing up sagging public services such as health, transport and education.
More than 1.5 million Brazilians have demonstrated against poor public services and corruption in recent days and some marches have turned violent, but polls say two thirds of fans back the World Cup.
World football body Fifa voiced confidence earlier that authorities can ensure security during Wednesday’s game despite the fact Belo Horizonte was the scene of an ugly 70,000-strong protest last Saturday.