The elections have already ended, thanks to the good grace of those who had no alternative but to fight on Monday, which however does not prevent me from recalling some anecdotes that emerged during my journey. In fact, from the best point of view of ”there is nothing that does not exist”, there have been few experiences that have not crossed my path.
In a presidential election, which has never fascinated me like municipal elections, I was visiting that bucolic land that saw me born and raised when my friend Barbosa passed me with a white D-20 he had (or what was left of it ) and in an act of daydreaming stopped in the middle of the street to tell me that “the man” was about to cross the city hall. The man was Leonel de Moura Brizola. Brizola did not become President of the Republic, which many regret and others less so, but he undoubtedly marked his name in the history of Brazil. I won’t go into the merits. Now I remember the Governor only because he always made a point of saying that if Rede Globo was on one side, it would always be on the other.
One of the best matches of the Brazilian Championship of the year 2024, I and more than 43 thousand Colorados had the grace of catching a glimpse of it at the Gigante da Beira Rio, yesterday, afternoon/evening of Wednesday 30 October. It didn’t go any better because the “system” wanted to show what its “interests” are, as Brizola said. And Sport Club Internacional does not appear to be among these.
In the first half, after having wasted the first great opportunity, we succumbed to the good Flamengo who, in addition to the eleven starters, have many others of equal prestige. In the only penalty scored out of a total of at least four during the match, the Carioca team was able to achieve success against the unfortunate refereeing and transform the given opportunity into a goal.
In the second half Professor Roger put the Colorado team on track and from that moment on, as my nephew would say: “we crushed them”. There was no shortage of opportunities to put the ball in the area and with it came three scandalous fouls in favor of Internacional in the opponent’s area, what we call a penalty – in my opinion even disputed.
But then there were the “interests” who didn’t want to see our Colorado win the game. No wonder they sent another intern to blow the whistle during one of our games. It is no coincidence that the controversies raised in favor of Inter were stifled in the VT which took place in the early hours of the morning. I like the romanticism that exudes from the concept that Brizola defended, but I can’t help but adapt the cause to what the famous character of Captain Nascimento would say at the end of the game: “the system sucks, partner”.
On that occasion a crowd of people gathered in the city’s parish hall waiting for the presidential candidate; even political opponents wanted a chance to meet the legend Leonel Brizola. Legend yes, after all some liked it, many didn’t, but everyone respected it. He showed up, as promised, gave a speech which aroused the excitement of some, but he didn’t stop at the dinner they prepared for him, after all not even his great courage had the strength to face the rice they prepared for him (in theory).
“Interests” have never allowed Brizola to reach the Presidency of the Republic. And these same “interests” do not seem to allow, once again, that we can, at the end of this dying Brasileirão, surpass the finish line of the third and, remove the dusty cry of the fourth from our throats.
It’s possible that we still won’t see the Internacional tetrad in 2024, but that will be our one and only true intention with next year’s crusade. And as if a new Legality campaign emerged and was transformed (in the ideal of “us against them”), we will not have to “fire the first shot”, but in the others we will not make mistakes as we will have to be “good shooters”.
Against ”interests”, against the system and against everything and everyone, the tetra will triumph again. And that day, if there is a remote possibility that it is just a dream, to paraphrase the great LFVeríssimo: “don’t wake me up!“.
Forza Inter, Forza Inter… We will be Champions!
SHORTS
– Professor Roger succumbed to the opponent’s tactics in the first half, but recovered valiantly in the second half;
– It seems that after a long time we finally have a coach who knows how to read the game;
– Thiago Maia is a great human being and a good player. But on the pitch he needs to be less “moon”;
– The players who stood out yesterday had a less than happy evening. Happens;
– Let justice be done, Rômulo, Bernabei and Bruno Gomes maintained the high line;
– Hired to be a decisive player, Enner Valencia has finally made his decision. May it be a sign of a new time;
– Justice will also be done for Wanderson who, all things considered, entered the field;
– There are no more witches in Beira Rio;
– Not even the night had really arrived and on Wednesday the Gigante da Beira Rio held more than 43 thousand Colorado in a deferred match. No one will ever be able to doubt or diminish the magnificent Torcida Colorada.
REQUEST
Is the system fucked up, mate?
Forza Inter, Forza Inter… We will be Champions!
PACHECO
Interviewer: Good afternoon! Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Maria Santos, a political analyst and historian, to discuss the recent elections and their broader implications within Brazilian politics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Santos!
Dr. Maria Santos: Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Your insights into Brazil’s political landscape are always enlightening. The recent elections certainly stirred up a lot of emotions and stories. It seems that for many, municipal elections have a different allure than presidential elections. What do you think contributes to this sentiment?
Dr. Maria Santos: That’s an interesting observation. Municipal elections often feel more personal to the electorate. People see how local governance affects their daily lives–from education to public safety. In contrast, presidential elections can seem distant, and the issues might feel less relatable. This connection is often what drives the passion and engagement we see at the municipal level.
Interviewer: Absolutely! In our featured article, the writer reminisces about his personal experiences, particularly a moment with Leonel Brizola, a figure who holds significant historical weight in Brazilian politics. Can you elaborate on Brizola’s impact?
Dr. Maria Santos: Leonel Brizola is indeed a fascinating character. He represented a particular vision of Brazil, one that championed grassroots movements and local governance. His inability to become president, despite being a respected leader, reflects the larger political dynamics in Brazil—where powerful interests often overshadow popular movements. His legacy continues to influence political discourse today, especially regarding the tension between the grassroots and established political powers.
Interviewer: That’s a great point. It’s reminiscent of the “system” the article mentions, suggesting that there are forces at play that prevent certain outcomes. This resonates beyond football and politics, doesn’t it? How do you see these ‘interests’ manifesting in contemporary Brazilian society?
Dr. Maria Santos: Very much so. This idea of ‘the system’ speaks to the complexities of political maneuvering in Brazil. Many feel that corporate interests, media bias, and political patronage can skew the democratic process. Whether it’s in sports or politics, decisions often seem influenced by who stands to gain most, rather than the collective good. This pervasive sentiment of being marginalized can lead to political apathy among the populace.
Interviewer: That apathy must be concerning. The author also discusses a recent football match and parallels it to wider political struggles, pointing out how marginalized voices struggle against established ’interests.’ Is sports an effective metaphor for understanding political struggles?
Dr. Maria Santos: Absolutely! Sports frequently mirror societal issues. The competitive nature of sports can reflect political rivalries, with teams symbolizing different factions or ideologies. Fans often project their frustrations or hopes onto their teams. In Brazil, football is not just a game; it’s intertwined with national identity, social issues, and political narratives. When fans rally behind a team like Internacional, they’re not just supporting a club—they’re expressing broader societal aspirations and discontent.
Interviewer: You’ve made some thought-provoking connections here! Given that the writer hopes for his team to succeed despite these challenges, can we draw parallels to the hope many Brazilians hold for political change?
Dr. Maria Santos: Certainly. Just as sports fans cling to the hope of victory against the odds, so too do many citizens aspire for meaningful political change. Each election serves as a new opportunity, much like a tournament. While obstacles may remain, the energy and passion among the electorate can manifest into significant movements. It’s crucial for people to remain engaged—whether in sports or politics—to challenge the status quo.
Interviewer: Very inspiring! Before we wrap up, what advice would you offer to our readers who want to become more engaged in the political process?
Dr. Maria Santos: I’d encourage everyone to stay informed and participate in local governance. Attend town hall meetings, support community initiatives, and vote in local elections. Change begins at the grassroots level. Engage in discussions, advocate for issues that matter to you, and hold elected officials accountable. Remember, every voice matters—especially in a democracy.
Interviewer: Thank you so much, Dr. Santos! Your insights have certainly shed light on the intricate relationship between sports, politics, and society. We appreciate your time today!
Dr. Maria Santos: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics with you.