Chris and I baked 2 apple pies to thank our gracious hosts and in the spirit of The World Cup shaped the top crusts as the US and Brasilian flags. Jesica drove us as close to the stadium as she could and we walked the rest of the way each with 2 cold ones after buying a vendor’s ‘promocao’ of 2 Brahma beers for 5 Reis, que legal!

The newly constructed Estadio Amazona was state-of-the-art and a gem inside and out. And I’m not just saying that because the construction company Jesica works for built it! It was in the international spotlight, impressing fans inside the stadium and spectators on TV as host to 4 world class matches. In sharing the opinion of many Brasilians, the money spent might have been better served on other public infrastructure projects. I hope corruption can be curtailed and such projects can be realized with the money generated from tourism. But I digress, this issue will be a issue discussed internationally at the BRICS conference, domestically in the presidential elections later this year and preparations for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

After touring the stadium, we found our section and painted our faces in red, white and blue, I as Captain America and Chris as The Ultimate Warrior. We along with the US supporter section around us gave a standing ovation as our boys were introduced onto the field and sung our hearts out for the national anthem. http://youtu.be/SUccBkrZr4w We remained standing during the duration of the game singing, chanting, yelling and screaming. The match was a whirlwind of emotion. Portugal scored first, which silenced us for a while already feeling defeated. We regained hope and continued to cheer our boys on in unison. Though it was to no avail as the first half ended Portugal 1 – US 0.

The wave at Estadio Amazona http://youtu.be/Ev3jv4F2QKU

A rejuvenated US squad stormed the field in the second half and scored once to tie. http://youtu.be/3_Diwa42bjk

Our spirits were high and we now truly ‘believed that we will win’! http://youtu.be/tlnMh0Y36e4

Then our boys scored again taking a 2-1 lead! http://youtu.be/C7j7AcvKXtI

Our celebration had the whole stadium vibrating going into 5 minutes of stoppage time. The feeling and atmosphere in the final minute of play is undescribeable on this world stage. With a 2-1 victory seemingly secured, the US lost control of the ball at mid field. Christiano Rinaldo received the ball and ran downfield making a beautiful pass between 2 US defenders to —- who kicked in the tying goal, ending the game. We stood motionless, in shock of what just unfolded. We were stunned in silence, now only hearing an echo of our screams, translated by the celebrating Portugal supporters. After several minutes of disbelief, we reunited in chanting ‘USA, USA, USA!’, supporting our team after the hard fought game. USA and Portugal supporters offered each other a ‘Handshake for peace’, promoted by FIFA.

This was our first experience at a World Cup match. It was remarkeable being able to support your country through thick and thin. That is the beauty of sport, especially at the FIFA World Cup with this year’s theme, ‘All in one rythm’. Soccer is unscripted and people from the world over travel to one place to show respect for each other’s national pride without losing sight that it is a game played with heart. As Brasil’s chant goes, ‘Soy Brasiliero com muito orgulho com muito amor’.