Sports

Sports

Brazilians fondness for sports is reflected in number of sports clubs that exist in Brazil. There are over 8000 sports clubs throughout the country. The main sport that characterizes the Brazilian way of life is soccer. Soccer is called "futebol" in Brazil and is the only type of football played in the country. The passion that Brazilians have for soccer is shown in the number of soccer stadiums they have been built all over the country. The Maracana Stadium, which was built in Rio de Janeiro for the 1950 World Cup, is the largest in the world with a seating capacity of 20 000. Brazil's soccer team has won the World Cup four times; in 1958, 1962, 1970 and 1994! Brazil has an acclaimed soccer player called Pele. He scored more than 1 200 goals during his career!

Volleyball, basketball and tennis are also popular sports in Brazil. Over the last decade Brazilians have won many medals in these sports at Olympic competitions. People also play these sports during their free time. Car racing and aquatic sports are developing as well. Due to Brazil's extensive coastline and warm climate, sports such as rowing, sailing, swimming, surfing, wind surfing and hang gliding are gaining popularity.

Student Activities:

1. Research and find information on the Maracana Stadium. Report all your information in a report format including illustrations. You can also organize your information on a poster board and present it to your class.

2. Research and find information on Edson Arantes do Nascimento ( Pele) the famous Brazilian soccer star. Report all your information in a report format including illustrations. You can also organize your information on a poster board and present it to your class.