The 2014 World Cup in Brazil was an absolute blur, but luckily I managed to capture a few highlights on camera that I’ll be able to show my grandkids one day.
If you’ve already read the World Cup Wrap Up than you have an understanding of how things went down, but either way, a picture’s worth a thousands words so here’s 33 shots to share my World Cup journey from start to finish…
I jumped on a flight to Cuiaba on June 11th where I began my journey with the Fanatics tour group. It was overwhelming and intimidating to say the least. My job was to capture the experience of almost 2,000 Australian soccer fans through shooting and editing daily videos for their social networks.
Nervousness turned to excitement on the first walk to the stadium in Cuiaba. The energy of the Australian crowd was through the roof. Locals came out to greet us passing by and Chileans mixed in with the celebration.
Outside the Cuiaba stadium in Northern Brazil to watch Australia vs Brazil.
There were plenty of goosebumps walking in and hearing all the screams and cheers before my first match. Such a rush.
The Chilean fans were amazing. Embracing the Aussies and cheering together.
The Fanatics chartered flights from Cuiaba to Porto Alegre to get ready for match two.
Off the pitch, I had a blast escaping the Aussies for a bit to hang out with locals around town, before reconnecting for an incredible night on the town.
Brazil vs Mexico, June 17th. The streets of Porto Alegre’s Cuidade Baixa neighborhood is overran by fans from all around the world (below).
The view from our hotel where we could see the Stadium glowing with anticipation for the next day’s match.
Game day. One of the best games of the tournament, hands down.
One Australian told me he would just be happy if they scored. They almost won!
After Porto Alegre it was off for a few days in Florianopolis, where we soaked in some sun and then lost it all partying like zombies with Fatboy Slim.
Best concert I’ve ever been to.
Next stop, Curitiba, Brasil for game three of the Australian World Cup schedule.
The energy was different here. There weren’t many Spain fans and Australians didn’t have much to cheer for.
It was a rough one. But I was just excited to be there…
After Curitiba and a quick stop in Sao Paulo, it was back to Rio to watch the rest of the games.
The game I was looking forward to most… Colombia vs Uruguay at Maracana!
What an atmosphere, what a game. James Rodriguez is the next big thing.
2-0, Colombia!
After Colombia vs Uruguay, I thought it was time to rest. Wrong. Two days later, I took a flight to Salvador to watch the USA take on Belgium.
USA!!!
I believe…
that we can…
almost win. I love the team and where they’re going, but we need new cheers bad. Meanwhile, back in Rio…
After 24 hours in Salvador, it was back to Rio again for Brazil vs Colombia.
The Copacabana Fan Fest was my second home over the next two weeks. After Brazil vs Colombia, it was Brazil vs Germany. I should have stopped with Colombia.
Shortly after the concert ended and game started, the celebration stopped.
The wind and rain just added insult to injury as Germany handed Brazil a serious butt whooping.
The next night Argentine held up their end and made it to the finals thanks to PKs against the Netherlands.
With that win, thousands of Argentines migrated to Rio where they took over the beaches and streets of rio for the next week.
Unfortunately, the wild ride ended on June 13th as Germany took home the trophy of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
I didn’t have much to celebrate so I went to a churrascaria to eat my feelings, just like a did four years ago.
Read my full World Cup Wrap Up here.
3 Responses
Having so much fun at Rio De Janerio with my kids and family. We are since from last two weeks.
Glad to hear it Michael, what a great experience to share with the family.
Wow what an experience! Great photos!
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