When I was living in Rio de Janeiro, a friend invited me to attend the city's soccer championship play-off game, being played at the notorious and largest sports stadium in the world - Rio's, Estadio do Maracana. He reminded me, "not to bring anything, remove any jewelry - and if you bring a camera, hide it!". Well, it definitely was the wildest sporting event I've ever attended. Amongst the screaming fans - there were Samba drums beating, burning fires, constant loud booms and armed fights with massive crowds moving in a panicked mass. And all, being watched from above by the well-armed police units, patrolling along a roadway, running atop the perimeter of the stadium's enormous roof line.
(photo) Halftime, standing with Botafogo supporters during the 'Rio Copa' - between Botafogo, the underdog, and Flamengo, Rio's most celebrated team. Botafogo won 2 - 1 and became the city's newest champion with celebrations lasting (as things do in Brazil) - forever.
(Estadio do Maracana, 1989).
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