The 2014 World Cup is underway, and the Brazil Student Association (BSA) is ready to welcome you.
With Moe's Original Bar B Que as their headquarters, the BSA is bringing Brazilian culture and their passion for the beautiful game to downtown Auburn.
Despite the conflict happening in their home country, the members of BSA are split about how their country will host one of the greatest sporting events in the world.
"I'm not worried at all," said Philipe Aldahir, president of the BSA. "Our national team aren't politicians. We are supporting soccer."
Luana De Sena Monteiro Ozelim, vice president of the BSA, had concerns about the event.
"I was there two weeks ago, and I had noticed that half of my friends were worried about the politics," Ozelim said. "They just spent millions of dollars in building stadiums everywhere, including in Manaus, where people want money for healthcare and education."
Despite the concern, Aldahir said, " (People in Brazil) are having a blast. I have friends from Auburn that are down there for World Cup. They are enjoying it."
The 2014 World Cup host team have all the pressure on them to earn their sixth World Cup title.
Ozelim said most Brazilians will view anything less than a title a failure in the competition.
With Moe's filled up with Brazilian fans, the intensity rose as the home side faced Mexico.
Ozelim blew endlessly into a vuvuzela as Aldahir started chants in Portoguese.
"Keep in mind that the Olympics are in Brazil in two years," Aldahir said. "We have to make sure the experience is good so people will come back in 2016."
The BSA was recently started on campus and hopes to become fully recognized by the University in the upcoming fall semester.
"We couldn't pass up this opportunity to present the Brazilian culture when everyone is talks about Brazil," Aldahir said.
"The best thing about Brazil is the people," Ozelim added.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
