And Like Winter, We Are Cruel

afootballreport: The World Cup and the world’s protest in...

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:48:18 -0400

The World Cup and the world’s protest in Brazil

“Everything in Brazil is a mess. There is no education, health care — no security. The government doesn’t care. We’re a rich country with a lot of potential but the money doesn’t go to those who need it most.” - 26 year old Brazilian photographer Manoela Chiabai, speaking to the AP.

The pre-match pleasantries exchanged before each Confederations Cup match belie a dark reality: the people of Brazil are boiling over, and soccer fans and social media mavens worldwide are facilitating their distress.

Over $13 billion has been spent by the Brazilian government on stadium infrastructure and investments related to the World Cup; $13 billion in a country where the income of the average Brazilian hovers around $400 per month. Add in the destruction of historic favelas to make way for a safer Brazil, a dubious stadium bid process and misused government grants, and you have a World Cup more accurately defined by corruption, gentrification and a suppression of the real issues plaguing Brazil, than any sort of sporting spirit.

Brazilian scholar Fabio Malini told the New York Times that “The largest protests are happening in cities which will host World Cup games. Brazilians are mixing soccer and politics in a way that is new, and minority voices are making themselves heard.”

Of course, this isn’t to say that the nearing World Cup is at the root of the ongoing social and political concerns which have led to friction amongst the Brazilian population. Inflation and unemployment are high, the disparity between social classes is expanding, and the poor are bearing the brunt of a new-found focus on globalization and international image; the World Cup is just a spark to long-brewing frustrations. People are suffering, and nothing could seem further from resolving their ills than oppressive concrete stadiums and soon-to-be abandoned hotels.

Read More

Felicitación de Sergio Ramos a Johnny y Miriam por su...

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:47:07 -0400

Felicitación de Sergio Ramos a Johnny y Miriam por su matrimonio [x]

Iker Casillas & Sergio Ramos before the Spain vs. Uruguay...

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:45:06 -0400

_{Iker Casillas & Sergio Ramos before the Spain vs. Uruguay match
(Confederations Cup | 16-06-13)}

latviia: michaxl: do she got shiduuuuuuu

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:37:02 -0400

latviia:

michaxl:

do she got

shiduuuuuuu

best-of-funny: trackmark: nature is truly beautiful X D e a...

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:36:21 -0400

best-of-funny:

trackmark:

nature is truly beautiful

X

D e a d

A list of those who care about the Confederations Cup

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:25:13 -0400

• The host
• Those attending games
• USMNT fans seeking accreditation

Photo

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:28:56 -0400

Photo

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:53:44 -0400

gossip-football: Sergio Ramos & Jesus Navas

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:26:00 -0400

gossip-football:

Sergio Ramos & Jesus Navas

When you give love but get like.

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:16:16 -0400

When you give love but get like.

Photo

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:12:46 -0400

Photo

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:55:41 -0400

499) they say "La Liga is a two horse race", I didn't know Sergio Ramos had a twin.

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:51:46 -0400

From Sergio’s Facebook. I’m so done I am unable to...

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:50:55 -0400

From Sergio’s Facebook. I’m so done I am unable to even.

alinnyderis: SR4 - Brazil HQ

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:47:15 -0400

alinnyderis:

SR4 - Brazil HQ

martamar3: I think they can be extraordinary together, they’re...

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:58:19 -0400

martamar3:

I think they can be extraordinary together, they’re perfect .

Sernando is the way.

11/06/13 - Fernando Torres and Sergio Ramos seen leaving 1Oak...

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:54:48 -0400

11/06/13 - Fernando Torres and Sergio Ramos seen leaving 1Oak nightclub in NYC

gfsports: Gallery

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:50:46 -0400

gfsports:

Gallery

Photo

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:50:33 -0400

Fuck

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:49:34 -0400

Fuck