A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the two local soccer teams here in Salvador - Esporte Clube Bahia and Esporte Clube Vitória. (If you'd like to read the post, click here) In writing, I described E.C. Bahia as the people's team.
Just to further illustrate my point about Bahia, I would like to share a couple of images I came across the other day, that I found not only touching, but I think demonstrate well this idea of Bahia as the people`s team. These images come from yesterday's Correio (The Mail), which is one of a few local newspapers in the city.
The images depict a warm homecoming for E.C. Bahia. Almost 300 fans turned out at the airport to greet their heroes. And what exactly did Bahia do to deserve such a heartfelt welcome? Win a state championship? A league title?
Front page: "Dreaming High"
Neither. Bahia, promoted last year to the first division (Serie A) of Brazilian soccer, have played only six games into the 2011 season. Their record stands at two victories, two losses and two ties. They are currently riding a modest two-game win streak.
For most sports teams, this kind of outpouring of affection is usually reserved for an important victory like a playoff position or a championship, and not for a season recently started. But the Bahia faithful love their Super-homens.
The people of the people's team show their love.
Back page of the sports section: "Well Loved"
3 comments:
That kid on somebody's shoulders reminds me of a little Louis in the making. To touch the hand of a hero! And in the second picture, I think that's Chuck from Three Dog Night, isn't it? Was wondering where he'd got to.
JEREMIAH WAS A BULLFROG...Chuck from Three Dog Night...LOL...that's rich..the gentleman with the moustache is Rene Simões, the head coach of Bahia. His look says it all. I'm paraphrasing, but in the newspaper article he was quoted as saying something to the effect of, "...it's nice, but we haven't won anything yet..." The looks on the kids' faces are just priceless. Such love. If you click on that first pic and get a good look, you see little arms also hugging that one player.
I must also mention that in about an hour (10pm) I will be watching Bahia do battle against a giant of Brazilian soccer, Corinthians. Corinthians currently sits in 2nd place in the standings, and in their last game, they annihilated first place São Paulo, 5-0. These guys mean business, and Bahia will have their work cut out for them.
Post a Comment