World Cup 2018: Study: More than 50% of Brazilians apathetic to outcome

World
Europe

02:30

Five-time World Cup winner Brazil will begin its quest for another title on Sunday. It's among the favorites to win. But in an interesting twist, more than half of Brazilians are not interested in the tournament. CGTN's Lucrecia Franco, in Rio, has more.

LUCRECIA FRANCO RIO DE JANEIRO "It might be called the country of football but this year apathy reigns with more than half of all Brazilians, 53 percent, claiming to have no interest in this year's World Cup.

According to the highly-regarded Datafolha Institute, when it comes to this year's football extravaganza, men and women alike are indifferent, especially between the ages of 35 and 44.

It's the greatest show of negativity toward a World Cup since Brazilian public opinion was first measured in 1994.

According to the survey, only 18% said they were enthusiastic about the event.

The lack of interest is palpable in this country which hosted the tournament only four years ago.

The streets of Copacabana where bars and restaurants are traditionally decked out in the yellow and green national colors barely acknowledge the tournament for which Brazil is one of the favorites to win.

People offer different reasons for the lack of excitement.

'I think it is the country's situation. It's not only the economy. Security, health and education are priorities that are being left aside so it is hard to get thrilled about a football game that doesn't mean much.'

'We have seen the political and economic crisis that has overwhelmed the country and the huge unemployment rate. All that is making Brazilians ashamed of being Brazilians and there is a lack of patriotism for the green and yellow.'

Brazil was the first country to qualify for the 2018 Russia World Cup after its dominant performance in the South American region. Its first game is against Switzerland but that has not sparked Brazil's world-famous Samba-powered energy.

Enthusiasm might increase, many say, if the national team starts to win and shows signs that it could bring home the trophy for a record sixth time.

Lucrecia Franco, CGTN, Rio de Janeiro."