For today’s interactive question, we’re going to talk about futebol. I realize this can sometimes be a dangerous question, but which is your favorite Brazilian soccer team? (I.e. Flamengo, Corinthians, Internacional, Cruzeiro, etc).
Let’s hear from you!
One of the best ways to learn Portuguese is by making friends with Brazilians and making sure they speak and/or write to you on a regular basis, be it in person, on the phone, by IM, or email. Speaking and listening to a native speaker are absolutely essential tools to becoming more fluent. 
So if you live in the US, I have a few suggestions for how you can meet a Brazilian this very weekend!
1. Saturday, September 5th: Brazil and Argentina’s national teams will face off in one of soccer’s greatest rivalries for a pre-World Cup qualifier in Rosario, Argentina. Head to your local sports bar or Brazilian restaurant/bar and you will be sure to find plenty of Portuguese conversation (and maybe a few expletives too–be warned!). The game starts at 8:30 EST.
2. Saturday, September 5th: In New York, baianas will take to the streets of Midtown and participate in the famous “washing of the steps” like in Salvador. There will also be a parade down 46th Street, including famous Bahian singer Carlinhos Brown and his band.
3. Sunday, September 6th: Boston’s 14th Annual Brazilian Independence Festival kicks off on the 6th, which includes music, film screenings, food, and children’s activities.
4. Sunday, September 6th: In New York, Sunday is Brazilian Day, one of the largest Brazilian events outside of the homeland, broadcast live in Brazil on Globo each year. Along with food, music, dancers, floats, and thousands of Brazilians, there will also be special performances by Marcelo D2, Victor & Leo, and other Brazilian artists. There will also be a number of Brazil after parties around the city on Sunday evening.
At this week’s G-8 summit in Italy, President Lula of Brazil gave President Obama an official Brazil soccer jersey signed by members of the national team.
The signatures included those of “Edmílson, Gomes, Lúcio, Vágner Love, Daniel Carvalho, Gilberto Silva, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Elano, Robinho, Júlio Baptista, Alex and Dida.”
President Lula also teased President Obama about the US team’s 3-2 loss to Brazil last week, chanting “Yes, we can” several times. Obama joked about the game and took the teasing lightly, making a sad face while holding up the shirt to show his disappointment in the US loss. Lula also gave the same signed shirts to members of the G-5 earlier in the week.
In Brazil, soccer is life, and your favorite local team can define who you are. While everyone roots for the national team, rivalries run deep amongst city teams, where the heart of Brazilian soccer really lies.
So for today’s interactive feature, the question is: what’s your favorite Brazilian soccer team?
In Rio de Janeiro, there are four teams: Fluminense, Vasco, Flamengo and Botafogo. I don’t have a preference, since attending a game to see any of the teams play is a wonderful cultural experience.
What about you?
Yesterday, Brazil held its state soccer championships, one of the most important sports events of the year. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights:
For a full report on all of the state champions, see Globo Esporte.
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