- Title: SOCCER-COPA/BRAZIL-MEXICO Fans arrive for Brazil v Mexico friendly
- Date: 7th June 2015
- Summary: SAO PAULO, BRAZIL (JUNE 07, 2015) (REUTERS) PEOPLE DECKED OUT IN GREEN AND YELLOW ARRIVING TO BRAZIL'S FRIENDLY MATCH WITH MEXICO PEOPLE ARRIVING TO STADIUM MORE OF PEOPLE ARRIVING VARIOUS OF FANS PICKING UP TICKETS TO THE GAME MEXICO FANS ARRIVING (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) MEXICO FAN, JONATAN SILVIO, SAYING: "No, really I think it will end 2 - 1 Mexico, it will be, I think
- Embargoed: 22nd June 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Brazil
- Country: Brazil
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA7QY9DLEIAILAEGHSY6IE3LALV
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Brazil and Mexico fans flocked to the Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo ahead of a friendly match between the two teams as Brazil gears up for the Copa America 2015 in Chile.
The friendly will be the first of two that Brazil will play before flying to Chile for the South America championships where Brazil will open against Peru on June 14.
Brazil will play the Group C matches along with Peru, Colombia and Venezuela.
But first they will take on the Mexican side in Sao Paulo.
Mexico fan Jonatan Silvio said the visiting team had what it takes to come out on top.
"No, really I think it will end 2 - 1 Mexico, it will be, I think. Unfortunately Mexico did not bring a good team, but I think they will give Brazil a fight, like always," Silvio said.
But a Brazil fan, Saulo Mendonca, said Brazil, who have five World Cup wins, would come out on top as they prepare for the Copa America.
"You can lose by 5 or 7 to one thousand, [in reference to Brazil's loss to Germany in World Cup play], but Brazil is the only one with five (World Cups). Argentina tries, but can't handle it, Brazil is the only one with five," Mendoca said while singing and dancing.
The soccer play comes amid the massive bribery scandal at FIFA which has led to the arrest of several top FIFA officials and the downfall of FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
Several Brazilians, including a former president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, are being investigated by the United States Department of Justice in the widening probe.
But Brazil fan Rodolfo da Silva, said Brazilians were still standing by their team.
"Brazilians always hope for the best and are passionate about the national team, and we are never far (from the team). No matter what is going on we hope the team does well and has a great Copa America. We'll always be behind the team, no matter what is happening," Da Silva said.
Brazil will have another friendly in Porto Alegre against Honduras before going to Chile for Copa play. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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