Tag: brazil

Pele leaves behind a legacy

Pele was one the greatest. He pushed football to new heights. But now we have a void which can never be filled. The place which he had in the football world and among his fans, will become sacred.

Days after Argentina lifted the World Cup and the football world was basking in the success of the glorious tournament, Pele left us with just his memories. 

Pele always wanted to be the best in the world. The most beautiful game on the planet gave him the respect that he deserved. He was always eager to put his family name on the top, especially his father’s. his father was also a player and loved the sport a lot. But he didn’t get the popularity or the recognition that he wanted. So, Pele fulfilled his wish and became the best football player in the world. Pele, started his career at the age of just 17 at the World Cup, in the year 1958.

 He was one of a kind, whose most of his career was during the radio era. After the arrival of television, he played for some time and gave a glimpse of his greatness to the world. The moves and the technique he had, were one of a kind. He was the one, who despite being a legend, treated everyone around him with respect.

https://unsplash.com/photos/lBhhnhndpE0

He even showed the world that anyone can connect with the entire world at one point without taking into consideration, caste, religion or skin colour. The mere mention of his name made sure that everyone was glued to the presence he had on the field. His style of play was magical. He was one of a kind, who can never be replicated. His entire charisma was the benchmark for future generations.

The people of his generation made sure that no one ever forgets the player, who gave the world one big reason to love the game of football. The sheer magnitude with which people loved him and his style, was proof that his name will remain in the history books forever.

He also made sure that even after he retired from the sport, he was still in touch with the game. The love he had for the game never fainted and always praised any perfect moment in any match. The sheer pleasure he experienced in watching the magical game, brought him closer to the hearts of his fans. 

He was the one who loved every instance and even the changes to the game. The implementation of technology is also good for the game, as even he realized the importance and the positive effects on the game. But the various advancements were never able to explain or overshadow the pure brilliance with which he played the game. All the other greats of his time were in agreement that he was the one who made sure that others who didn’t love the game, also kept an eye on the most popular sport. So, he was, is and will remain the best in the world.

Brazilian economy is in a “jobless recovery” following a spike in inflation

According to a Reuters poll, the Brazilian economy will continue to experience a so-called “jobless recovery” following this year’s inflation spike, while forecasts for recovery in Mexico appear stronger amid concerns about a possibly tougher monetary policy in the United States.

On the outside, Brazil’s macroeconomic picture appears to have improved as consumers shake off the COVID-19 epidemic, firms experience a resurgence of M&A activity, and the agriculture industry flourishes on huge international demand. Recent increases in GDP estimates, however, are at conflict with a number of issues. Rising inflation, which is presently the major topic, is expected to be followed by consistently high levels of joblessness into next year’s national elections in Brazil.

Because the economy will need some more time to reabsorb people and restore jobs, average unemployment is estimated to stay in the double digits this year, reaching around 13.6 percent. The rising unemployment rate will restrain services inflation, which accounts for nearly 40% of the headline figure.

According to the median estimate of 20 economists surveyed between July 5 and July 13, Brazil’s average jobless rate for 2021 was projected at a record 14.2 percent in the Reuters survey. This is in contrast to a large increase in GDP estimates.

According to a larger group of 40 respondents, Latin America’s No. 1 economy is expected to grow 5.1 percent in 2021, considerably above the relatively moderate 3.2 percent growth rate recorded in April’s survey. Inflation forecasts have also risen, reaching 6.5 percent from 5.1 percent in the previous quarter.

Many Brazilians have lost their livelihoods as a result of the virus. Many also point the finger to President Jair Bolsonaro’s pro-business stance. Other figures suggest robust employment creation, according to the government.

Bolsonaro and his expected opponent, former center-left President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have not formally announced their candidacies yet, despite the fact that the 2022 presidential election remains just a year away.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico, however, looks to be on a more solid foundation than his Brazilian counterpart. Although both are embroiled in corruption allegations, Lopez Obrador is under far less scrutiny. Similarly, Mexico’s economy is getting better, with stronger growth and relatively low inflation than that of Brazil. Mexico’s GDP and consumer pricing are anticipated to grow 5.9 percent and 5.1 percent this year, respectfully, compared to 4.7 percent and 3.9 percent in the April survey.

Mexicans are keeping a very close eye on the Federal Reserve of the United States’ intention to gradually phase off its massive assistance. Thus far, this has been welcomed positively from across the border, instead of as a hindrance to financial movements.

In contrast to a drop in Brazil’s anticipated growth in 2022 to 2.2 percent from 2.3 percent, the study predicts Mexico’s GDP would increase 2.9 percent next year, up from 2.5 percent in April.

Analysts at BBVA Mexico said in a statement that they have raised their 2022 GDP projection to 3.0 percent from 2.8 percent due to a better investment picture. This increase will most probably encourage formal private employment to return to pre-pandemic levels in 1Q22.”

Alpha through Kappa: Why COVID is unlikely to subside soon.

2020 January – the whole world was scared by the idea of a new virus overtaking all of humanity. There were lockdowns followed by a host of other measures – some very severe, some probably less by governments all over the world. The idea that most doctors and scientists presented was isolation, quarantine and social distancing.

A survey conducted by researchers in England and published by Springer suggests that about 93% participants did not adhere to the covid protocols strictly and 47% of them did so intentionally. The research also statistically established a strong correlation between non-adherence to the COVID guidelines and vulnerability to COVID-19 itself.

Now, COVID is a disease that has no known cure except for a host of vaccines that were prepared in a great show of human endeavour. However, the vaccines were created keeping in mind the initial variants of COVID-19. The world and the governments all over were scared of the simple numbers of May 2020, which are simple given the numbers the world is facing today. The increase in numbers is however not in the same geographic location as the previous spikes, but the unfortunate thing is that it took place in larger population groups, in groups where social and economic security is not guaranteed effectively or at all by the government to all people and in groups where non-adherence to even simpler rules is more common than the previously infected groups. India, Brazil and the US – all three fall under this category. While some may argue various reasons for breaching the covid norms in their respective country or might even blame the governments for the failure, which it must be, but the fact remains that the consequences include a higher infectivity and hence increased death rates. But is that all? Well, no.

Scientist claim that an infectious virus is suppressed when the herd immunity thresh-hold is reached. The best number to reach is 80% of the population. However, in cases of Israel, the government reopened the country after 58% population was inoculated. If the herd immunity is not achieved, the virus gets enough time to mutate and as covid has quite effectively proven, these mutations are not always good. This means that the slow pace of vaccination in countries like India (I say slow given the huge population the country has), Brazil and even slower and probably negligible rates in the poorest nations gives the virus a strong and assured method to mutate and evolve. Most pharma giants and as many countries like Germany too have shown a greater interest in trading the vaccines commercially rather than quickly addressing the possibility of a stronger covid wave every time the poorest nations are denied vaccines. The richer countries indeed need to save their revenue. But a middle ground must be found otherwise the savings of revenue and the vision of a strong pharma market might lead to a civil breakdown like the one towards which protests in Brazil had pointed towards.

More variants are appearing, more people are being infected every day. The vaccinated nations of Israel, US and the UK are back to masks and social distancing. Is the COVID wave going anywhere? Well, probably no. And let us wait for the xhi or phi variant. And then maybe a greek god appears to take the virus away.

Argentina Vs Brazil : Just a game away from the silverware

Argentina won its semifinal against Colombia 3-2 on penalties after three saves by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Regular time ended 1-1 at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Tuesday

It will be Lionel Messi’s Argentina against Neymar’s Brazil in the Copa America final on Saturday at the historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Argentina won its semifinal against Colombia 3-2 on penalties after three saves by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Regular time ended 1-1 at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Tuesday.

Argentina hasn’t captured a major title since 1993 when it won Copa America. On that occasion, the team eliminated Colombia on penalties 6-5 in the semifinal after a goalless draw.

Brazil beat Peru 1-0 on Monday to advance to the final. The Selecao has never lost a Copa America final at home and has won five out of six matches so far.

It took Argentina only seven minutes to open the scoring. Rodrigo de Paul found Messi in the penalty box with a through pass. The star earned his fifth assist in the tournament with a pass to Lautaro Martinez, who put the ball in the right corner past Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina.

A more aggressive Colombia, led by Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, hit the bar and the post in the second half before it leveled in the 61st minute with Luis Diaz, who received the ball on the left of Argentina’s box shot almost with no angle to beat Martinez.

Argentina reacted after 67 minutes when Angel di Maria came into the match, replacing Nico Gonzalez. The winger created several opportunities including one in the 80th minute that ended with Davinson Sanchez saving a finish by Lautaro Martinez on the goal line.

The last big opportunity in regular time came with Messi hitting Ospina’s right post in 81st minute from short range.
Martinez saved the shots taken by Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona in the shootout. Messi converted his opportunity from the spot and was one of the most joyous players in the celebrations. He seeks his first major title with Argentina against favorites Brazil.

Colombia will play on Friday in the third-place playoff against Peru.

When – 11 th July 2021, Sunday

Where to watch – Sony Liv in India

Timings – 5:30 IST

Venue – Marcana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

All you need to know about Copa America 2021

Copa America 2021 is all set to begin on Monday early morning IST where Brazil and Venezuela are scheduled to kick off at Mane Garrincha stadium in Brazil.

Copa America 2020 was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic and recently, Brazil got the nod to host the Copa America 2021. But Brazil have reported approximately more than 17.3 million cases of COVID-19 which includes at least 486,000 deaths, the second-highest number in the world.

Why Brazil is hosting Copa America 2021?

Earlier Colombia and Argentina were scheduled to host Copa America 2020 which got postponed due to Corona virus pandemic.  Argentina was not given the nod this year due to increased rising cases of COVID-19 in the country while Colombia was rejected to host the tournament following the protests against President Ivan Duque.

What is up with the national side?

It seems Brazil as a team is not happy with the decision of Copa America being played in their country. However, they hesitantly agreed to participate in the tournament despite concerns over the late decision to host the tournament in their home country.

Brazilian players on social media  published a message saying they are “unsatisfied” with South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, which decided to move the tournament to Brazil. They didn’t wanted this tournament to become a result of political debate although.

How is the public responding to the tournament ?

A poll was set based on 1000 interviews which was conducted between June 7 to June 10. The poll showed nearly two-third of Brazilian population opposed the country hosting the event amidst rising cases of COVID-19 in Brazil.

How many players tested COVID-19 positive ?

Eight Venezuelans and three Bolivian players has been tested positive even before the tournament  started. Venezuela which is playing their first match on Sunday has called for 15 other players in their squad to enhance their bench strength. Along with those eight players, three of their coaching staff are also infected with COVID-19 virus.

Bolivia is playing their first match against Paraguay on Monday.

In response to the rising cases, South American soccer body CONMEBOL issued a statement which stated “the matches will be played as scheduled”.

How many teams are participating in Copa America 2021?

Earlier, the tournament was scheduled to play with 12 nations with Qatar and Australia coming in as guest nations. However, both of the teams pulled off from the tournament due to their prior commitments in the World Cup qualifier.

As of now, only 10 teams are participating in the tournament.

Group A: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela
Group B: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay

What is the tournament format?

After completion of the round matches, the top four teams of each group will qualify for the quarter finals.

Dates to remember

Copa America 2021 is starting from June 14 as early as 2:30 am IST. The knockout phase will be starting from July 3 and the finals will be played on 11th of July.

Where you can watch Copa America 2021?

Copa America 2021 will be telecast live on Sony TEN 2, Sony TEN 2 HD, Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD TV channels in India. Live streaming of Copa America 2021 in India will be available on SonyLIV and Jio TV respectively.