The Brazilian Post - English - Issue 77

L. AMERICA: p09 Brazil and Argentina: How both countries can pave the way to develope the region

FREE Dec 4th - Dec 17th 2012

SPORT: P12 Chelsea and Corinthians are ready to go foward in the Clubs World Cup title in Japan

LONDON EDITION

www.brazilianpost.co.uk • Issue n. 77

The Brazilian Post celebrates its second birthday in this edition.

Find out what we have been doing, our proposals to attempt to bring Brazilian and British cultures closer and to provide the best quality information to our readers, in both languages Portuguese and English.

Read more on pages 2, 3, 4 and 7 >>

02 |

Dec 4th - Dec 17th 2012

Special TBP 2 years

2012 A TOP LINE TEAM

A

By Ana Toledo

nd we talk about this with a huge smile of happiness.

The Brazilian Post was born in 2010, the year that Brazil was propping up its new position on the international scene. Created when international relations were being strengthened and perhaps because of that, today we are a vehicle that has crossed borders. Despite our young age, we appear ripe for major changes to sustain what we can celebrate as our major steps.

We started 2012 emphasising our goal of sustaining a channel that creates a twoway relationship between Brazil and the UK. Then we worked to bring both countries closer, disseminating news about them through culture, economy, politics, sports, education and more, engaging with the Brazil that exists in London.

In March of this year we launched our Web Portal (www.brazilianpost.co.uk) and plugged into social networks to be closer to our readers and attuned to the world of possibilities that the internet provides. In July, in full fervor of the Olympic Games, we took our newspaper to become biweekly, bilingual, with 40 pages of content and a unique design format with two cover pages.

All of this has been possible for one very simple reason: the competence of our team! Partners, friends and contributors, totaling 19 people who specialise in different areas. This plurality of ideas is presented through the different views in TBP, revealed through each edition of the newspaper.

We can not fail to mention our Cool Hunter, Zaza Oliva, who has been with us since the first edition of The Brazilian Post (page 23). Zaza produces unique content for every edition and that shows it is London’s streets that dictate fashion trends for the whole world.

To complete the team and continue the fusion of Brazilian and English, on the subject that is a common passion for both nationalities, we enrich our content with sports writer, Englishman Jamie Jubon.

will stay in our memory

GET INVOLVED

WEB PORTAL

(brazilianpost.co.uk): The news and features published in the newspaper are also available on our web site, where you can also find cultural tips of London and what’s happening in the Brazilian scene in the capital. Be sure to check our blog network - there are themes for all tastes, from sports to cooking, through to tourism and entertainment.

FACEBOOK

(facebook.com/thebrazilianpost): Begin your day with a “Good Morning” from The Brazilian Post on Facebook, always with a breathtaking photo of London. Stay on top of what’s going on and interact with our team and readers!

CONNECTING INFORMATION

(brazilianpost.co.uk/conectandoinformacoes): Introducing a new project of The Brazilian Post that opens space for journalism students and all those who are interested in collaborating with us by asking them to contribute to news in various editorials. Learn more via the link http://migre.me/cbz6u.

These are just two names from many of our team whose work in synchronsed harmony creates great results in our printed publication.

This quest for diversity of thought, ideas and referrals is what drives us and provides the differentiated content that reaches Brazilians and foreign readers of The Brazilian Post.

Today we present to you, our readers, advertisers and partners, issue 77, to celebrate two years of this transformation.

Valuing news and information focusing on our exceptional Brazil, but produced directly from the heart of the British capital.

So here’s to 2013!

Good reading.

Brazil | 03

MARCELO MORTIMER

JAMIE JUBON

CEO

ANA LUISA TOLEDO

Sport

JANINNE VELOSO

Editor-in-chief

GUILHERME REIS

Economy

JEAN ARLIN PEIXE

English Editor

Graphic Designer

NATHÁLIA BRAGA

Portuguese Editor Web Site Editor

CIBELE PORTO

Entertainment Social Network Analist TBP

ROBERTA SCHWAMBACH

What’s on

Food

Cartoon

RICARDO SOMERA

ShowBizz

SAULO CALIARI

BABAK GANJEI

Community

CAROLINA BEAL

London by night

CHRISTIANO HOLANDA

Travel

KATE RINTOUL

RONALDO BATALINI

TICO SILVÉRIO Sport

RICARDO COIMBRA Cartoon

Feel Good Public Relations TBP

INNER SPACE DANIELA BARONE Sacred Chat

RÔMULO SEITENFUS Profile

ZAZÁ OLIVA Fashion

Brazil | 04 |

Dec 4th - Dec 17th 2012

Special TBP 2 years ON DEBATE

Understanding Brazil and approaching cultures

T

By Guilherme Reis

wo years ago, in the first edition of The Brazilian Post our first headline for this new London publication was: “Dilma has 15 days to chose team”. This marked an exciting period for the first woman to take the top job of executive power in Brazil but also for the entire country and its expats living in London.

Since then, we have followed the progress of those who, more now than ever, are moving towards becoming one of the great nations of the world: Brazil.

This has not always been easy, how should we report this transition? How to keep the Brazilians who live in London informed about the country? And, even more difficult, how to take the opportunity of reaching the growing number of foreigners interested in Brazil and show our

country beyond the stereotypes, the ‘easygoing’ news and shallow reflection?

In these two years of TBP, Dilma Rousseff has basically followed the same line of former President Lula: strengthening social programs to end poverty and give the base to the so-called new C-Class (worth mentioning inclusion of affirmative action as the social system of quotas for black students in universities) and independent foreign policy, not based solely on the interests of the major economic powers (with closer relations with the BRICS countries and Mercosur).

New challenges and obstacles, however, are essential in true development. And here comes a key issue in the editorial approach of TBP: to understand Brazil beyond the smile and the sun tanned skin, we must explore its contradictions. Only then is it possible to understand the real Brazil that changes and presents itself be-

hind the poster of good economic times which, after all, is the reason that we have the attention of the world like never before.

From this position, TBP has broken some barriers and has sparked debate on sensitive issues of Brazil, whether political, social, cultural and even in sport.

We are the sixth largest economy in the world, but for the most part of country still treats the indigenous who, until now, haven’t regained their rights over their lands, with contempt. In two cover stories, we addressed the situations faced by of the Indians of the Xingu and Guarani-Kaiowá, in contrast to the supposed miracle of development.

We will host in 2014 the World Cup, but at what expense? We raised this question when dealing with the powers that FIFA has on an entire political system to ensure that its interests will be met at the event.

It is true that poverty in Brazil has decreased at record levels, the middle class now exceeds 50 per cent of the population and sees on the horizon a world of possibilities that we have previously been denied. But how to believe these improvements can be sustainable without good public education, access to culture and basic health services accessible to all?

We have already discussed this and more here on these pages, which reflects the Brazil that we want to transmit: a country that recognises its merits without forgetting the obstacles that still need to overcome to become truly developed.

Not to forget that, as a bilingual newspaper published in London, the relations between the UK and Brazil are of interest to us and of our readers - be they governmental or artistic, business or social - as a way to improve relations between these two cultures.

IN LONDON

Londoners can’t get enough of Brazil

I

By Kate Rintoul

t’s a Thursday evening in a packed city center churrascaria. All around caiprinhas has are flowing, a neverending stream of wonderful Brazilian meat is coming from the kitchen and the Brazilian pop music can hardly be heard over the conversations and laughter of the diners.

There is nothing unusual about this in Brazil, where people come together to spend and time with each other and meet new friends over platefuls of delicious cuisine, often several times a week. Only this churrascaria is not found in one of Brazil’s metropolises but in the centre of London.

I went to Rodizio Preto in the heart of Soho to share a meal with a class of students who have been learning Brazilian Portuguese at the Waterloo Academy. The school offers several classes and caters for all levels of knowledge, many of the group I joined are a few months into their studies and so are able to sustain good basic conversation in Portuguese. The school

has seen an increase in the number of students looking to learn specifically Brazilian Portuguese in the last two years and this again is a sign of how people’s perceptions and interest in Brazil is changing.

Many who enroll and indeed whom I met at the meal have met Brazilian partners while living in London, most I spoke to were learning so they would be able to be more included when visiting their partner’s Brazilian family during trips planned in the next few months.

Amongst the learners there was also a real mix of nationalities, several British, a Russian, a Kurd and a Slovenian, this highlights one of the key factors in the growing connection between the UK, specifically London and Brazil. London ‘s tolerance and opportunities means that there is brilliant cultural vibrancy and diversity here, much like in Brazil.

The increasing number of Brazilians meeting their long-term partners here in the UK also shows how the life of Brazilians has changed here. Whereas in the past people might have come here to

work extremely long hours, sending money home and frequently socialising only within the Brazilian community here an increasing number of Brazilians are coming here to study, expand their professional CV and life experience by integrating into London’s multicultural social life.

Rather than just meeting other Brazilians through friends more are meeting people and partners through work, at bars, music festivals and university and this is dramatically changing the relationships between Brazilians and Europeans.

Equally Europeans have become more aware and welcoming of Brazil’s colourful and more laid back culture through the dissemination of music, film, fashion and media which is attractive to those looking for adventure or a different away of life.

In fact some of the students I spoke to at the meal were learning Portuguese purely so they could better understand Brazilian lyrics and films, which are growing in popularity here.

None of this would have been possible without major changes at home in Bra-

zil, even ten years ago many Europeans had only heard of Brazil in terms of favelas, gang wars and kidnappings, huge improvements in the country and the welcomed boom in the economy have changed this. Ask people what they think of Brazil now and many will speak about carnival as the greatest show on earth, the people that are beautiful inside and out and the fantastic nature to be enjoyed in the country.

One can really get the sense of a great shift in thinking in the UK, cheap world travel and the internet have done a lot to ‘shrink’ the world and with Europe going through a tough time it is only natural that people will star casting their attention further and look to the optimism of Brazil. As many, including myself will tell you, there is nothing more welcomed and restoring when you’re feeling a little weary than seeing the warm smile of a Brazilian, whether it’s on the face of the person you love, a new friend or inscribed in the Brazilian landscape and it’s this charm that is the heart of Brazil’s universal appeal.

05

Community | 06 |

Dec 4th - Dec 17th 2012

http://hilarious-consequences.blogspot.co.uk http://www.steaknightcomics.com/steaknightcomics.com/RRR_BOOKS.html

Disregarded An interjection used to express surprise, especially when someone is annoyed

Color A citrus fruit with very sour juice A cartoon rabbit who often says the catchphrase "What's up, Doc?"

Compact DiscRecordable (abbr.)

A small Partly insect that opened lives in flower groups

A gentle knock Risk

A narrow beam (of light)

Sign for subtraction

A male animal or person Confined to bed due to illness or injury Bark Large body of salt water

- Piera Fachinelli, San Diego, EUA Feline Affirmation at the end of a prayer meaning "so be it"

Digital Video Disc (abbr.)

To warm or dry in the sunshine The most consumed alcoholic beverage (?) Faris, actress Grandmother

Nitrogen (symbol)

A piece of furniture Cry of pity (interj.)

Amateur Boxing Association (abbr.)

Plural form of "serum"

(?)

Watson: plays Hermione

Annual General Meeting (abbr.)

Opera by Giacomo Puccini about a tragic love story Jagged projection

Elvis Presley: the King of Rock (?)-mail, electronic message To seize and carry off by force

3/bay. 4/snag. 5/elude — minus. 6/gravel. 7/ignored. 8/la boheme. 11/good heavens. 14/guardian angels.

Answers S M C H T

CLUE

Male duck

To annoy

I G G M O N O O C D R H E B E D A D V D E E R N A E S K M E M E A P E

“I’s very good to know that a Brazilian artist is having success around the world with such a important work to the cities. In San Diego, USA, we have a lot of graffitti as well and also Brazilian street artists.”

© Revistas COQUETEL 2012

Snow vehicle that An non-profit international volunteer organization, founded in New York City, of glides over snow on two ski-like runners unarmed citizen Republican (abbr.) crime patrollers To avoid To perplex

S R A V E L E L E P B U D U D A N G E R N U S A T B A Y S U N M E N B A N N A G Y D R A A G A B O H E N A G R

This is your chance to let the Brazilian Post’s team know what you think. Send your feedback and get involved! Send your emails to contato@brazilianpost.co.uk

www.coquetel.com.br

G U A R D I A N A N G E L S

OMBUDSMAN

Crossword

1

| 07

Special TBP 2 years PROFILE

TBP by our readers The special TBP Birthday edition brought up to the newspaper office the usual birthday’s questions, and in our case, the first concern is about “who reads” what we’ve been writing. Searching for the answer for this question, we went out on the streets, we contacted readers on Facebook and we analyzed the statistics on our website.

See what some readers told us about the TBP:

Who reads us Gender

56,6% female 41,4% male

PAULA GIL LARRUSCAHIM, 36 Brazilian, living in Canterbury and studying for a PhD, always takes TBP at Borough Station, but also reads the on-line version.

What interests her more are the news about Brazilian Culture in England.

Nationality 65% Brazilians 45% Other nationalities

ROGÉRIA BARBOSA, 35 Lives in Ouro Preto-MG, Brazil. Got to know the TBP because of a friend, and reads it on-line. She likes the thematic concerning Brazil and loves the ones that concern our culture. “I admire a lot the serious work that you’ve been doing, looking for showing clearly and truth thematic that are not published in Brazil, the TBP is Brazilian’s voice in the world!”

ANA LARSON Brazilian and lives in Virginia, USA, where she works as a Tourism Agent, she found TBP at Facebook and likes to read news about Brazil and mainly, about what’s going on in London, capital that she admires a lot.

Age

58,8% 18 to 34 33,8% 35 to 54

TB.MD

Covent Garden

JOÃO SANTOS, 39 Brazilian and lives in Nothing Hill Gate. He knew the newspaper through a friend, and reads it on-line and printed. Likes the level of information, because it is intelligent and embracing.

ASAAD, 26 From Minas Gerais, lives in Oval, London for 40 days now, but he want to stay for a longer period. What grab his attention was the bilingual format, because it is even possible to study (the languages) a little bit when you read both sides.

PATRÍCIA, 29 Lives in Brazil and is here for tourism, took the TBP at Tower Hill Station one day after seeing the picture of the front-page (graffiti of Crânio) at Brick Lane, she liked a loot the way TBP connects Brazil – UK in the different thematic.

Advanced Weight Loss New Doctor at Clinica Fiore 65 Endell Street 0207 240 8600

08 |

Dec 4th - Dec 17th 2012

09

Latin America INTEGRATION

Brazil and Argentina:

are we brothers or not?

B

By Guilherme Reis

razil and Argentina are the two biggest economies in South America. Together, both countries have almost 250 million people and the fifth biggest economy on the world. But, although we call each other hermanos (brothers), the high competition over shares in the markets around the globe in a time of crisis in the developed countries (which have bought less growth for us since 2008) have created a not so friendly relationship between Brazil and Argentina. Protectionist measures have built up invisible barriers between the two nations, undermining the bilateral integration all over South America.

The bilateral trade between Brazil and Argentina in 2011 hit a record high reaching $39.6 billion. The expectation, however, is that this total should be $34.5 billion dollars for 2012 (13 per cent less than last the previous year).

In 2011, Argentina imported goods the equivalent to $22.7 billion from Brazil.

On other hand, Argentina exported $16.9 billion to the Brazilian market, recording a surplus of about $5.8 billion in Brazil’s favour.

This year things have changed. Brazilian exports to Argentina have fallen 20 per cent between January and October, and sales from Argentina to Brazil have receded 4.7 per cent over this same period compared to the same stage last year. Brazil’s industrial products, cars, trucks, agricultural machinery and so on were the most affected by this trade modification.

The presidents Dilma Rousseff (Brazil) and Cristina Kirchner (Argentina) held a meeting close to Buenos Aires (the Argentinian capital) last month to try and address this problem. While the negotiations between the two countries has sometimes been seen with and air of skepticism, on this occasion, it seemed clear that both presidents want more efficient integration.

In reference to Argentine protectionism, Rousseff said that “the balance can not be obtained based on the reduction, but at increasing levels of trade”. Rousseff said she wants to see intensification of relations between all countries, including the areas of credit and financing. Among the needs mentioned by the Brazilian president to overcome bilateral obstacles are strengthening industries, the integration of productive chains, and cooperation in areas

KIRCHNER AND ROUSSEFF HAD A MEETING LAST MONTH

such as science, technology and education.

For all of the observers of world politics, it is not so difficult to see that the main point for most South American countries in their external politics is to overcome the dependency on developed economies. Latin American countries cannot sit and wait for more ethical behaviour of consumers in the developed countries any more, nor can they expect a comprehensive industry competition, it does not exist.

If South America, and even Latin America, want to achieve a powerful economic level, Brazil and Argentina should start things by changing the current model to forge ahead not as exporters of commodities, but as great competitors in industrial products. From this example, other countries could develop their economies outside of free trade agreements with United States, which always lead to unfair competition.

To achieve this goal, however, invest-

ment in infrastructure facilities such as roads and ports is urgently the need to, so our products can compete more equally.

This applies not just to Brazil and Argentina but across the whole continent as improvements in thee two countries alone would lead them to become new imperialist countries in the region, which certainly not the proposal.

Having all of this in mind, it’s easy to understand why the Rousseff and Kirchner meeting was so crucial.

Beyond these initial troubles, it’s also very important to consider the possibility of the incorporation of new member, Bolivia, into Mercosur, which would be a new player with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela. The decision will be made this month and in 2013, due to the expectations, Ecuador should be officially invited to join the group as well.

In this way, Mercosur can consolidate itself as a powerful group in contrast

The balance can not be obtained based on the reduction, but at increasing levels of trade with the United States’ leadership in the north. Although it’s not a time for intense anti-Americanism a greater distance is essential for the region along with a development model that is outside of the influence of the Yankees.

Brazil and Argentina have this in their hands, both countries have the chance to transform their economies in an attempt to develop not only their own nations, but all of the region.

10 |

Dec 4th - Dec 17th 2012

Technology CROWDFUNDING

Internet: a tool to

finance good ideas T

By Nathália Braga

he ability of the Internet to serve as a means of disseminating and sharing cultural projects and creative ideas has been well proven in recent years. What many people probably do not know is that there is an online tool that not only helps in promoting these ideas, but also for them to become a reality. These are not government-backed incentives but sites where people can generate publicity and funding for their project.

Known as crowd-finding this type of platform is taking off around the world.

In Brazil, Catarse (www.catarse.me) brings together the best initiatives and tries to help them in funding from fans or online philanthropists.

Most of the groups fit the following categories: visual arts, circus, dance, film, photography, music, theatre, and other areas such as journalism, comics, design, fashion and technology yet Catarse is always open to new proposals.

“Catarse is a space for exchange to help

Any person or entity that has a bank account in Brazil can subscribe creative projects to be undertaken. We act as a platform for collaborative funding of creative projects from the online crowd,” says founding partner of Catarse, Reeberg Diego.

“Any person or entity that has a bank account in Brazil can subscribe. We accept projects that somehow, do not only try to bring a return for themselves buy also for a community, which is a more a collective return,” says Reeberg.

The donations begin with a minimum value of 10 reais (around £3) and supporters, no matter how large or small are given a kind of reward. The most common rewards are seeing the names of the crowd on t-shirts worn by the people involved in

the project or having their name included in acknowledgements.

The project is online and seeking donations for up to 60 days. There is a monetary goal set and if by the end of the chosen period the full amount has been raised the money is paid to the project. If the donations do not meet the goal, all of the money is refunded in a scheme that Catarse own site classifies as “all-or-nothing.”

So far Catarse has engaged more than 47 000 supporters and raised more than 5 million reais (around £1,5 million). At the moment, the site currently has just over 114 000 users, 379 successful projects and 74 in the air, waiting contributions.

One of them is from the 24-year-oldjournalist Paula Sacchetta, who wants to make a documentary to record the expectations of society in relation to the Truth Commission, which aims to investigate the crimes and torture carried out by the State during the military dictatorship in Brazil (catarse. me/pt/verdade12528).

According to the Catarse site: “The idea came after we observed in conversations

with friends, the widespread ignorance of Brazilian society on the Commission. We hope to make this film to explain didactically what it was, how it worked and the role of people involved.”

The asking price is 17,000 reais and if raised will go towards the purchase of camera equipment, travel to film interviewees and other production expenses.

The prediction is that the documentary will be released in the second half of 2013, if the money is collected.

“We got almost 20 per cent of the total in five days, more than 3 thousand reais, but more than that could great contacts. Many people wrote wanting to participate and help. more than raising money, we added people to this project. This is quite interesting and surprising,” explains Paula.

At the time of going to press, this project had 32 supporters and 4,145 reais collected, with just over a month to go.

Other projects currently on the site include funding the publication of a book of photographs, recording CDs, theatre companies and many more.

ONE PROJECT CURRENTLY LOOKING TO CROWDS FOR FUNDING IS A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE TRUTH COMMISSION DURING THE YEARS OF DICTATORSHIP IN BRAZIL: CATARSE.ME/PT/VERDADE12528

In the UK Another similar initiative, in the UK, is Crowdfunder, created in November 2010 following in the success of Kickstarter (an American crowd funding site that came to the UK in October this year).

One of the most successful ideas of the site was the “Roll with the Soul,”

which raised funds for the creation of a “bike-cafe”, a meeting place for cyclists that offers good food, workshops and information on the world of cycling. Learn more and get involved at www.kickstarter.com and www.crowdfunder.co.uk.

11

Economy KEY ISSUE

U.K. Energy Sector Welcomes Policy Reforms

By Christiano Holanda

T

Barclays Fights $470 Million Ferc Fine Barclays said it would go to U.S. district court to fight fines of nearly $470 million from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for alleged electricity-market manipulation.

Aston Martin in Talks Over Equity Injection

RENEWABLE ENERGY KEEPS THE LIGHTS ON

EURO ZONE

Greek Crisis: buck stops with Taxpayers

S

ince the Greek crisis exploded nearly three years ago, the fights at euro-zone summits and finance ministers’ meetings and have been covered feverishly by the global media. The large number of parties with stakes in the outcome, Greece and 16 other members of the euro zone, the European institutions and the International Monetary Fund have further complicated matters.

Despite these obstacles, this week’s deal on Greece’s debt points to an (almost) iron rule of sovereign-debt crises: Significant

U.K. Banks Warned on Capital U.K. banks will have to raise “material” amounts of fresh capital or sell some businesses, the Bank of England said in its starkest warning yet to banks to restore investor confidence and stimulate credit.

cholanda@brazilianpost.co.uk

he UK government can be pleased with most of the reaction to its proposed energy market reforms. At first glance, the proposals seem both to allay industry concerns and to reflect favourably on the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The U.K. energy sector now has the guarantees on pricing it was seeking to enable the sort of large-scale infrastructure investment, in renewable energy, nuclear and gas, needed to keep the lights on.

Germany’s Siemens SIE.XE +0.52 per cent, Europe’s dominant wind turbine manufacturer, said the government has addressed “some of the key issues that have previously created uncertainty in the market.” Alstom ALO.FR -0.70 per cent, the French engineering company, described it as “the fundamental building block” upon which companies can look to invest in the U.K. Support from the likes of Siemens and Alstom will be one crucial factor in gauging the eventual success of the government’s moves.

If the reforms allow companies like these to actually make wind turbines or solar panels in the U.K., then the government could be setting into motion a genuine driver for the country’s economy.

The Nuclear Industry Association said the legislation will provide “considerable opportunities for the U.K. nuclear supply chain and a boost for U.K. manufacturing and construction.” The Carbon Capture and Storage Association predicted that the “much needed investment certainty” the legislation will provide could help create around 95,000 jobs over the next 10 to 15 years.

Briefings…

losses fall on taxpayers in creditor countries because debt originally extended by private creditors, one way or another, ends up on the balance sheet of the public sector. Eurozone governments haven’t publicly admitted that they expect to suffer losses, but that is the almost inevitable conclusion from the agreement on Greece reached by finance ministers in the early hours of Tuesday.

Even if ministers aren’t admitting it now, they will have to at some more politically convenient point.

Government creditors usually prefer to

pick up the tab through the time-honored practice of “extend and pretend”: reducing interest rates to below their costs and extending maturities into the distant future.

This is partly because public accounting rules in many countries make it hard to cut excessive debts via the most transparent route of writing down capital. There is, however, a limit to what can be achieved by extending and pretending. If Greece’s economy sinks further, its government will be even less equipped to pay its debts and explicit write-offs of capital.

Aston Martin has admitted to bond holders that it is in “advanced” talks with potential investors over an equity injection into the business after weeks of denials by its owner that a stake sale is underway.

U.S. Blocks Contracts With BP The Obama administration temporarily blocked BP from obtaining new government contracts, citing a “lack of business integrity” that resulted in the Deep-water Horizon oil spill.

12 |

Dec 4th - Dec 17th 2012

Sport FOOTBALL

Who will rule the world?

T

he test to see who is the best club on the planet kicks off on 6 December. Seven clubs (see box below) will compete in the the FIFA Club World Cup 2012 contest in Japan, a speedy and fully packed tournament (the final is the 16th) that will hold the attention of ultimate football fans around the world for ten days. Though many say that the Europeans do not take the competition as seriously as the South Americans, I doubt any fan of Chelsea, the European representative, will remain indifferent to what happens in Japan.

The South American representative is Brazil’s Corinthians, champion of the Libertadores 2012 and winner of the first Club World Cup organised by FIFA in 2000. Everyone is hoping, of course, for a clash between Chelsea and the Brazilian team in the grand final, but before that can happen both teams have to win their respective games.

On one side of the table, Corinthians could face the following times: Sanfrecce Hiroshima (the host country’s team), Auckland City (New Zealand’s Oceania Champions) or Al-Ahly (the Egyptian team that won the African Championship) in the semifinals. Chelsea will face the winner of the semifinal clash between Hynday Ulsan (South Korea) and Monterrey (Mexico).

The last five editions of the tournament have seen the European clubs take the title: AC Milan, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Barcelona (twice). The last success

by South America was in 2006, by the Brazilian team Internacional.

This year therefore the performance of Corinthians pits Brazil and South America against the recent European hegemony in club football, which remains a more bitter section of the sport. Brazilian rivals of Corinthians are hoping to see Chelsea succeed and equally fans of Tottenham and Arsenal, are hoping to see the London club stumble.

Either way, it’ll be a great championship!

If expectations are confirmed, Corinthians and Chelsea will make a memorable du-

OSCAR, CHELSEA`S BRAZILIAN TALENT

Club World Cup FIFA 2012 GAME 1 6/12 S. Hiroshima (JAP)

x

Auckland City (NVZ)

GAME 2 9/12

GAME 3 9/12

Winner Game 1

Ulsan Hyunday (COR)

x

x

Al Ahly (EGP)

Monterrey (MEX)

EMERSON, CORINTHIANS` STRIKER

GAME 4 12/12 Loser Game 2

x

Loser Game 3

GAME 7 16/12 Loser Game 5

x

Loser Game 6

GAME 5 12/12

GAME 6 13/12

Winner Game 2

Winner Game 3

x

x

Corinthians (BRA)

Chelsea (ENG)

GAME 8 16/12 Winner Game 5

x

Winner Game 6

el in the final, a direct confrontation between Brazilian and English football with many of the British capital’s important players - Oscar, Ramires and David Luiz hailing from Brazil. To keep ahead with the preparation of these two teams, see the analysis our sport columnists Tico Silverio and Jamie Jubon on page 13. And get ready for an electric and emotional tournament.

Sport | 13

ANALYSIS 1

Would a world championship be

enough to appease angry

Chelsea fans?

E

uropean Champions Chelsea will head out to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup with an air of uncertainty surrounding the club once again.

The manager who masterminded their first ever European crown, Roberto Di Matteo, has been sacked and the man replacing him is somebody who himself is no stranger to the FIFA Club World Cup, Rafael Benitez.

Ex-Liverpool manager Benitez won the completion whilst with Inter Milan two seasons ago, having taken over from Jose Mourinho the previous summer.

Since sacking Di Matteo, Chelsea’s fortunes have taken a dramatic dip. Benitez is still looking for his first win after three Premier League games in charge.

The sacking of Di Matteo, just six months after he had delivered the trophy the owner had apparently craved most, can be described as nothing short of scandalous.

The Italian Di Matteo had also collected

the FA Cup too, meaning he had brought two trophies to Stamford Bridge within months of taking charge.

The beginning of the new season was also largely positive as well. The Blues began the campaign playing with a new-found confidence and were adopting a more entertaining, expansive playing style.

The ‘three amigos’, as they had been dubbed, of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and the Brazilian Oscar had gelled together instantly and Di Matteo’s team led the Premier League table in early Autumn.

However, their first defeat of the season, a 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United in late October, seemed to severely dent confidence in the camp.

Di Matteo would not taste a league victory again, and after a 3-0 defeat in Turin against Juventus, a result which incredibly leaves the Champions League holders on the verge of being eliminated at the group stage, the Italian was given the bullet by Abramovich.

Chelsea now stand on the brink of becoming the first ever European Champion to be knocked out at the first stage of the competition.

It is certainly not an ideal scenario, but too much good work had surely been done by Di Matteo last season for Abramovich to have even considered replacing his manager.

However, he did replace him, much to the anger of the Chelsea supporters.

Not only did they love Di Matteo, they

do not like Rafael Benitez. As Liverpool manager, he had constant spats with Chelsea’s then-manager Jose Mourinho.

Fans at Stamford Bridge made their feelings clear when they booed Benitez in his first game in charge, displaying banners of ‘Rafa Out’.

Despite the sacking of Di Matteo being utterly preposterous, the Chelsea fans would still be well-advised to get behind their manager for the good of the team.

After all, they could become World Champions next week with two victories.

I suspect that will still not be enough to appease angry Chelsea fans, though.

Having gone seven Premier League games with a victory, it’s fair to say that Chelsea will not be jetting out to Asia next week brimming with confidence.

Let’s hope all this negativity surrounding the English club can contribute to a positive outcome for Corinthians, if as expected, they do indeed meet in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.

ANALYSIS 2

Corinthians should rely on

balance and rapport as weapons in Japan

T

By Tico Silverio

he day is 12 December and the venue is the Toyota Stadium, all Corinthians’ supporters certainly already have this date marked on their calendar. On this day Corinthians will make its debut in the FIFA Club World Cup, and then are only 2 games separating the Corinthians and the biggest title of their history.

The planning for the Club World Cup began shortly after the victory over Boca Juniors in the final of the Libertadores.

This means that the club have been fully focused for the competition for almost 6 months, which explains the use of the Brazilian Championship only as training for the tournament.

But despite this, Corinthians made a convincing national campaign, finishing the championship in the top of the table.

The 23 warriors, summoned by the commander Tite, are ready for battle. Rather than following the example of other Brazilian teams who have reached this title race, Corinthians have made no great signing for the tournament.

If Chelsea were considered the favourite a few months ago recent strife at the club and lack luster team performance means that the Corinthians have been enjoying months of stability and strengthening their players. It is often felt that the Club World Cup has never been a priority for the European clubs, but despite this, it is Europeans who have won the last five tournaments, including

the Barcelona in Santos last year.

The current Corinthians is a balanced team in all sectors. With the same coach for two years, further work has yielded good results. Tite built a team with tactical maturity, with a strong defence, a midfield that values possession and an attack that does not waste opportunities.

While Chelsea have to bank on the sometines fleeting performances of Fernando Torres, Oscar Mata, Ramires and Hazard Corithians can rely on safety and experience of the sector formed by defensive Chicao, Alessandro, Cassio and Paul André, sustained by great Ralf and Paulinho. They do have ensure that Danilo and Douglas have enough freedom to create opportunities for Emerson Sheik and the opportunistic Romarinho.

The great strength of Corinthians is their regularity and harmony. Even without a big star, the team arrives in Japan with great chances of winning this Club World title.

If they can overcome anxiety, especially in the opening game, I have no doubt that on 16 December (the date of the final) supporters at the Yokohama International Stadium will see another party bunch of crazy fans of Corinthians.

While we have to wait for the title to be decided, one thing is certain: the Corinthians are invading. With estimates that over 20 thousand fans will be departing for Japan (data provided by the Japanese Consulate), compared to the 1,000 Chelsea fans confirmed, Corinthians should feel at home home in Japan.

Sport | 14 |

Dec 4th - Dec 17th 2012

BRAZILIAN TEAM

Scolari back

with “obligation” to win the World Cup in Brazil

J

ust when Mano Menezes seemed to finally have found the ideal team, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) decided to fire the coach in a move that surprised most. Admittedly Mano Menezes has never been a unanimous favorite (not even close), but after months of consistent words of support the decision to fire the coach, with little technical explanation has come as a shock.

This inconsistency persisted into the selection of the new commander: Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to conquer the World Cup in 2002. These days Scolari is not the best coach on the market and while he did win the Cup of Brazil with Palmeiras this year, part of this was down to the failings of the only other challengers to the title, Palmeiras falling into the second division of the Brazilian Championship with the exit of their coach midway through the season. In fact tit could be said that the “Mustache” hasn’t been on form since taking Portgual as far as the semi-finals of the world cup in 2006.

Tite, the champion of Libertadores with Corinthians, Muricy Ramalho, who was the favorite before the appointment of Mano Menezes, and even Luxembourg, who reinvigorated Grêmio under his charge this year, were more plausible names in the contest given their recent track records.

There was even talk of Pep Guardiola, the innovative former coach of Barcelona coming to Brazil but hiring a foreigner to lead the country in a World Cup at home is something too “revolutionary” for the conservative directors who dictate the direction of Brazil’s national football.

WILL THE HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?

It seems clear, that the CBF decided to “play to the crowd” in choosing Scolari, who has the sympathy of the fans, albeit the same ones who used to scold the coach before he led Brazil to its last Word Cup title. On is reinstatement as commander, Scolari said: “We have an obligation to win the title in Brazil. We are playing at home and we have to be world champion”.

During his first stint with the Brazilian team, Scolari oversaw 24 matches, in which they accumulated 18 wins, one draw and five defeats. At the time of his

first appointment in 2001, he took over at a time when the team faced similar discredit as today and also with a short run-in to an impending World Cup. This must have given weight tto the CBF’s choosing of Scolari as he is seen as a good coach for quick tournament turnarounds, when a “Come on!” is often more effective than strategies and elaborate tactics.

Though it’s worth remembering that this time round we have don’t have Rivaldo or Ronaldo, the last two great geniuses of Brazilian football in the squad. Instead

we have a very young team dependent on Neymar, who despite being a great leader of the team (on technical issues and not personality) has not yet reached the consistency required to be “The man”.

Anyway, as we never tire of saying, football always has the ability to surprise. It is entirely possible for Brazil to be world champion in 2014. But if that does happen it will not be a reflection of consistent and good decisions by the summit, which commands the CBF. Instead all we have to bank on is hope.

SCHUMACER OUTPUT

Formula 1 loses the last link with the ‘Senna age’

T

he retirement of Michael Schumacher from Formula 1 after the Grand Prix in Brazil last week means that the competition now no longer includes any drivers who were contemporaries of Ayrton Senna.

This is a symbolic moment that marks the passage of time and changing face of the sport. Of the 31 drivers who raced alongside Senna in any of the first three stages of the 1994 season, ten left the category that year, with another 13 leaving before the turn of the new century. Of the remaining eight, six had retired before 2005 leaving only Schumacher and Barrichello to retain this link.

This scenario is understandable. F1 saw enormous expansion in 1989 when the ban on turbo engines cheapened access to the category. Several teams and drivers entered at the time but found it hard to sustain themselves in the competitions. Only the phenomenal of longevity Barrichello and Schumacher, two drivers with more GPs under their belts than anyone in history carrying the link between F1 and Senna.

Schumaker, who ended up winning the fateful San Marino Grand Prix in which Senna lost his life had retired once before only return in 2010 but after this final competition he looks set to leave the sport.

F1 HAD MANY CHANGES DURING THE 1990’S

15