World Cup in Brazil Part II, A Locals Perception

Throughout all my journey's in life, I have gotten to know some pretty great people around the world. I have great friends on every continent. I do not know how many people can say that at my age. Well fortunately, one of those people I know is Thomás Carbonari who resides in one of the largest cities in the world, Sao Paulo, Brazil. He is a great friend I met down at school, we played soccer together and he knows Brazil. I asked him a couple questions about his perspective on the situation in Brazil. Before I post the Q&A, I wanted to expand a little bit just so people really know the true picture.

Cost of World Cup: $11 Billion 

Revenue: $3 Billion 

GDP: $2.4 Trillion

GDP Per Capita: $12,000

38.9% of the GDP comes from taxes

9.3% of GDP goes towards Healthcare

21.4% of the population lives below the Poverty Rate

When it comes down to it, the taxpayers of Brazil are taking a heavy hit when it comes to paying for a World Cup. No matter how you stack it, the Brazilians are paying a heavy price by hosting the World Cup and they are not seeing the benefit. Here is Thomás view on the situation:

1. Being a soccer player and true fan of the game, are you truly excited for your country to be hosting the World Cup?

 Soccer wise, absolutely. Having the best players that have ever stepped on a soccer field playing against each other is very exciting.

 2. Knowing that your country spent a total of $11 Billion Dollars on Soccer Stadiums, Transportation, and Security and will only generate around $3 Billion Dollars from those ventures, do you question why you would host the Cup?

 There is nothing to question about it. It is clear Brazil is not ready to host an event of this proportion. Not because we are a third world country, but because it is almost impossible to name a politician who is not corrupt.  

It’s questionable if the government has really spent even half of that money in those areas. We all know everything that was under construction for the World Cup went over budget (for no apparent reason), and the population knows there were no improvements in security or transportation.

 3. Do you feel the Government has gotten caught up in the hoopla of the World Cup instead of what is best for the country?

 They have never had in mind what was best for the country.

 4. Knowing that Brazil would play in the World Cup no matter where it is held, does it really matter to host?

 it does matter a little bit. Brazil has been in a really good place economically wise in the past years, and we wanted to show the world that.

 5. Are you going to a game? if so, why?

 No, I am not.

 6. Do you take part in the protests or sympathize with the protesters around the country?

 I sympathize with the protesters that do not damage any property. It is important to show the government there is a line they shouldn’t cross, and if they do, there are consequences.

Hopefully you have enjoyed mine and Thomas's Take on the World Cup in Brazil