Football image via Canva Pro. In Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano's classic, elegant history of the World Cup, “Soccer in Sun and Shadow,” he says, “[I]n the stadiums I plead: ‘A pretty move, for the love of God.’ And when good soccer happens, I give thanks for the miracle and I don't give a damn which team or country performs it.” While Jamaicans do like pretty moves, they prefer them to be performed by a particular team: Brazil. To many Jamaicans, the World Cup doesn’t start until Brazil enters the fray. In Kingston, the island’s capital, traffic quietened and even newsrooms were hushed as Brazil made its 2022 debut, playing against Serbia on November 24. Anticipation for the World Cup began to build a week or two ahead, with street vendors selling flags representing the various participating countries. They always make sure they have a good stock of Brazil flags (as well as Argentina, which is the runner-up among Jamaicans’ favourite teams). These flags are usually affixed to the front windows of cars, fluttering proudly in the breeze. Some vehicles have even been seen sporting two different flags. In many communities, the “Brazil effect” is palpable. One Jamaican journalist observed: Seriously, Brazil could easily be a political party or church in Jamaica. It's the only other thing I see capture Jamaicans so much. I am not kidding, I heard loud celebrations all over my community when Brazil scored each time and chants at full time. What is going on?!?!?! — Dwayne Anderson (@IamDAnderson1) November 24, 2022 He added jokingly: Breaking News: PSOJ, the Government and Jamaica Chamber of Commerce have met and agreed to allow all work to end in the country today at 2pm. This is to facilitate fans and haters alike to watch the Brazil game. More info to come. #FIFAWorldCup #BrazilvsSerbia — Dwayne Anderson (@IamDAnderson1) November 24, 2022 Whether at work or play, the World Cup in general is making an impact. In a Gleaner article, the president of Jamaica’s Human Resources Association weighed in on the dilemma of whether to give employees time off to enjoy “the beautiful game,” adding that World Cup trivia games can provide “a little fun at work”: Let them know you care, and this will boost long-term engagement from the employees even if productivity may dip somewhat. One fan tweeted: Jamaica Deh pan holiday? Cause nobody nah work today 🤣 — 🇧🇷 Neymar’s Bruja (@NicketaNicola) November 24, 2022 One Brazil fan took his passion to work with him: Our 2pm lunch date with my work husband nah go nawmal at all today…. no sah, me never ready for this excitement 🤣😂🤣🤣🤣 Brazil betta win enuh 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/APJwsrq9cW — Miss Reid Wash-Belly (@ReenaMcKenzie) November 24, 2022 In inner-city Kingston, residents of Trench Town and surrounding areas forgot their troubles and staged an impromptu victory parade down Collie Smith Drive after Brazil’s win, prompting one tweet: If you had any doubt that Jamaica is a Brazil country, please bring your attention to the road march/motorcade in a section of Kingston after Brazil's win over Serbia today!#WorldCup2022#Samba#Brazil pic.twitter.com/ZEnYvdKcYj — Nicholas McDavid (@sir_nick_mack) November 24, 2022 Brazil even entered the dancehall space: World Cup ting, inside di stadium at Boom Sundays, Kingston, Jamaica, last night. Shouts to DJ Boom Boom and di whole syndicate. Easy Brazil. Large! ❤️🇯🇲 #Travel #Jamaica #Worldcup #Party #Quatar2022 #Quatar #Soccer #Football #Dancehall #Reggae #Party #BoomSundays #Brazil pic.twitter.com/nCJaae3Gdj — Jamaica Diaspora NY (@JADiasporaNY) November 21, 2022 Comedian Julie Mango’s take on the World Cup and Brazil was a skit with a heated discussion among patrons (one rather tipsy) at the local bar: Let’s see what’s in store for Brazil #WorldcupQatar2022 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/lhmMzsEXyD — JulieMango™ (Juliet Angelique Bodley) (@iamjuliemango) November 24, 2022 Indeed, in neighbourhood bars, passions were rising as the game began: #CheerstotheCup: Brazil vs Serbia is officially under way! No goals yet, but the fans are out in their numbers and the debates are already heated! Stay tuned as #TheSTAR continue their live coverage on the ground! Sponsored by @flowjamaica #FootballFever#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/iynbS0hHuu — Jamaica Star (@jamaicastar) November 24, 2022 On Twitter, some Jamaicans made their loyalties perfectly clear: #NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/YeTyJ4j7i2 — Chris Pinnock (@ChrisPinnock1) November 24, 2022 Cultural commentator Wayne Chen rhapsodised over the second Brazil goal, and made a prediction: Richarlison’s second goal against Serbia had the feel of history; something magical that we witnessed; something we will be talking about decades from now as the first sign that Brazil was destined to win the 2022 World Cup.