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Published: July 11th 2014
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I didn’t have much planned for today other than to watch the second semi-final between Argentina and Holland. I had considered visiting an outdoor museum but that required me to get up early, take a bus to a nearby city and come back during tonight’s game. I decided instead to visit Belo Horizonte a bit and tagged along with Claudio, who works at the hostel I’m staying at. He had offered to give me a tour of Belo Horizonte as he did not have much to do today. I had assumed it was going to be by car, but it was all by bus. Haha
We first visited the other hostel location that is closer to the city center. Then, we took another bus to the city center and walked around a bit, visiting squares, government buildings and grabbed a bite to eat. Downtown Belo Horizonte has lots of cafes that spill onto sidewalks (or even boardwalks). During games, they close off several avenues and let the public take over to watch games on big screens. This area is also where most bars and nightclubs are located. After lunch, I grabbed a big cup of acai for dessert, and it
was really good. It was my first trying acai other than in a juice or yogurt.
Our next stop was going to be the city market, but our bus driver was not in a good mood and closed the doors before we could get off. First, when we got on, he almost didn’t stop at our bus stop. Then, he drove like a maniac and at one point decided he did not want to stop at a bus stop a few passengers needed to get off at. When it was our turn, he stopped the bus, opened the doors and immediately closed them. When we asked him to open them again, he refused and drove off. This meant we had to skip the market because the next stop was on the other side of a freeway and quite far from the market, and we didn’t have enough time to take another bus back and still make it to the Fan Fest in time to watch the Argentina vs Holland game.
We decided then to take the Metro to the Fan Fest, which is the only indoor Fan Fest. We arrived 10 minutes into the game but didn’t miss
much based on how the game was being played. It was a chess match all the way to the end. It was never free-flowing with the teams going all out. It was calculated, low-risk football. Robben was very quiet, Messi was too at times. Every time he positioned himself to take a pass, you could see a second defender pull up beside De Jong to cover him. I can recall only 1 or 2 real scoring changes, and surprise surprise, to penalties we went. Argentina’s goalie made 2 saves and secured their berth in the World Cup Final opposite Germany. It’s the first time since 1990 Argentina has made the Final, and they last won it in 1986. This is Messi’s big chance to cement his legacy and status as a true legend of the game should Argentina be successful in Rio on Sunday.
Unlike most Brazilians, who would consider it a tragedy if Argentina wins the World Cup here in Brazil, I would be happy if Messi won the World Cup. I’m a big fan of his and think he deserves it. Argentina will face the best team at the World Cup, so nothing is guaranteed. I’m glad
I get to watch Messi play live again though.
Tomorrow is a travel day back to Rio de Janeiro. That's where I'll spend the rest of my time here before going home. The Final is on Sunday in Rio.
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