EASPORTS FIFA World cup - Trip of a lifetime

Football fanatic and EASPORTS FIFA fan Luke Wilby fulfilled his dream of being at a World Cup by taking the plunge and heading off to the world showcase in Brazil in June. From piranha fishing to meeting Harry Kewell and seeing that Tim Cahill goal in person, here is his account of the footballing trip of a lifetime.

Editor’s note: Luke left Brazil after the quarter final stage missing the capitulation of Brazil against eventual winners Germany.

The World Cup may be over but the memories will last a lifetime. From the spectacular Rio de Janeiro to the natural wonder that is Iguassu Falls, this would have to be one of the most amazing parts of the world that I have visited. Add in Brazil’s passion for football and the action of the World Cup and this is the trip of a lifetime.

It’s an adventure just getting to Brazil with our group travelling via Korea and America. Weary and red eyed, our first few nights are spent exploring Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. We quickly learn two things about Brazil – the food is delicious and the drinks are potent. 

The Fifa Fan Fest on Copacabana Beach just before the opening match kicks off

For the opening match of the World Cup we join thousands of people at the fan fest on Copacabana Beach. Victory to the host nation begins the month long World Cup party, and soon the air is filled with singing and the pop of fireworks.

The next day brings the start of Australia’s World Cup campaign. Walking to the grounds and the atmosphere inside the stadiums is electric – filled with chanting and singing. The locals are intent on getting photos with us gringos and our inflated kangaroo so we oblige. 

With a young and inexperienced team, the Socceroos performance at the World Cup is inspired and draws praise from everyone we meet. The highlight is the game against the Netherlands. The feeling in the stadium when Australia held the lead against the Netherlands was unbelievable and just thinking about it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

We met Harry Kewell on our way to the match and he is there cheering with us for Tim Cahill’s wonder goal. So surreal.

Between the matches we squeeze in some sightseeing. In the Pantanal, a tropical wetlands area, we get up close with the animals of Brazil through safaris, boat trips and horse rides. The highlight is Piranha fishing – raw beef made for great bait!

Words cannot do Iguassu falls justice – the sheer size and power of the falls is spectacular, and the view from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides is simply breathtaking. A boat ride takes us within inches of the falls, and after being soaked through to the bone we are in admiration of the pure force of this natural wonder.

Following Australia’s matches our World Cup action continues as we head to the France v Ecuador game in Rio and the Portugal v Ghana game in Brasilia. The Maracana is every bit as special as it promises to be and it’s hard to fathom how they fit 200,000 people in there for the 1950 final.

Returning to Rio it’s time for some more sightseeing. A cruise of the harbour and visits to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain leave us in awe of this beautiful city.

Our last night is spent in Sao Paulo watching Brazil’s quarter final match against Colombia. There are people everywhere and the noise is so intense that I can barely hear myself think. And this still two hours before kick-off! Brazil doesn’t disappoint, turning in a great performance and sending the country into absolute delirium. It’s the perfect ending for our World Cup experience.

As we board the long flight back to reality, all I can think is – we’re one day closer to Russia and the next adventure!