'Dutchstroyed' Brazil exit stings local fans

Patrina Pink, Gleaner Intern

THE UNEXPECTED exit of the FIFA World Cup five-time world champions, Brazil, left many Jamaicans hurt yesterday.

Brazil went down 2-1 to an unhyped Netherlands.

For many, it was as if the wind had stopped blowing.

"Bwoy! The Brazil man them watch the game and bawl and left," said Jackie, the operator of a Caymanas Track Betting outlet on Duke Street in downtown Kingston.

The betting centre, which also operates a bar, has been accommodating World Cup matches since its June 11 start.

"We nuh sell nothing from morning. A only football, football! Nobody nuh care nothing about horse racing," she said as she lamented the economic costs of the World Cup to the business of the sport of kings.

Wayne was one of the few Brazilian fans who remained at the bar after Brazil's hopes and dreams were 'Dutchstroyed'.

His face was swollen from crying and he covered red eyes behind a blue rag, which he used intermittently to wipe the sweat of his former excitement.

"Bwoy! me nuh know wah fi seh. This was our year to win."

Pained, he could no longer withstand the jeers of fellow patrons and exited the betting centre, with his handy blue rag covering his face fully.

Another Brazil supporter was quick to put the blame squarely on Felipe Melo, who undid his early golden work as the game grew older.

"A number five mash up the game. The number five shouldn't have played. From the match start, him nuh good. A first him a come inna the game from the Cup start. Him just a start this match. I don't (know) where him come pon me side fah. Me not even know him name," the fan said.

Melo was a hero after his defence-splitting pass allowed Robinho to give Brazil an early lead.

But later, Melo scored an own goal and then slammed's Brazil wagon into the wall with his red card-earning 73rd-minute stamp on Arjen Robben's hamstring.

While some fans wanted Melo's head, some patrons criticised the 'folly' of what they deemed an overrated team.

Wayne Bachelor believes that it was overconfidence that led to Brazil's defeat and cautioned Jamaicans about not believing in the hype.

"Some supporters lose bets and money. But they should have noticed that their team is a lot of hype and dem lazy," Bachelor said.

"Jamaicans love the star ballers business too much. Most of we follow Brazil, but Brazil can't win everything, especially when the other side is hungry," he added.

patrina.pink@gleanerjm.com