Bobcats First Few Days In Brazil

By: Katie Foglia

Group photo taken at São Paulo Fútbol Club, where the
USMNT practices, by Dr. Ashley Furrow. 

São Paulo – It’s been almost a week since the seven E.W. Scripps School of Journalism students landed in Brazil. After an overnight flight from Miami to São Paulo, Brazil, on Saturday, the students landed early in the morning and were greeted by Ohio University alumna Julian Moura-Busquets.

Julian, a native of Washington, D.C., greeted the students and two faculty members after baggage claim wearing an Ohio University hoodie and holding a “Court Street” sign. He graduated from Ohio University in 2010 with a bachelor’s in Management Information Systems, moved to São Paulo during the summer and has lived here since.

“I know that São Paulo is a crazy city when you arrive. And, in a new country, the best thing is to feel comfortable,” he said. “I just wanted you guys to see something that you recognized and to know that you are in good hands.”

The group jumped into taxis and headed to the hotel to check-in and drop off suitcases before exploring the city. Julian, with the help of his Portuguese fluency, got the group Metro cards and led the group to Japantown, the most populous in the world, for a light lunch and some sightseeing. The group favorite was a bowl with mixed vegetables, meats and noodles.

After enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the street vendors, the group went for a walk to the Catedral da Sé de São Paulo. Inside the Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic Church, a celebration was happening complete with singing and prayer.

Next, Julian led the group back on the Metro to get closer to the “Times Square” of São Paulo. Modern skyscrapers were mixed with traditional buildings in the central zone of the city, and people were on every corner selling World Cup and Brazil memorabilia. The group was tired and decided to head back to the hotel to rest and recover from a long day of travel.

On Monday, the much-anticipated first day as U.S. Soccer Federation interns officially began. The students boarded the media bus and got their first taste of how exciting a mix zone media event can be. Students assisted the U.S. Soccer Federation’s communication team by collecting audio of the interviews, assisting in facilitating where the players stood and shooting photo and video.

On Tuesday, the students transcribed the press conference that featured U.S. MNT players Michael Bradley, Matt Besler and Fabian Johnson. In the afternoon, the group ventured out to explore the city and grab a bite to eat. And realized that, in Brazil, splitting checks is not an option.  

On Wednesday, the tasks were very much the same, and the students transcribed the Jurgen Klinsmann press conference and edited their film and photos. More time was spent trying to order in Portuguese, and more awkward conversations with the locals followed.

Myself and fellow intern Devin Ellis talking to
U.S. Soccer writer Alex Abnos. Photo credit: Dr. Ashley Furrow. 

On Thursday, the team had closed training and only Carl Fonticella, the photographer from the group, went to shoot the players’ practice. The rest of the group decided to check out FIFA Fan Fest, a free event that drew football fans to the Anhangabaú Valley in São Paulo. The events are taking place in different locations within all 12 host cities. The sponsored events offer official spaces where local and international fans can watch FIFA World Cup matches.

The students gathered quotes from fans and shot photos and videos of the crowd. The quotes were collected for feature stories on the festivities, especially on the people.  

Supporters showed their pride by wearing their home nation’s jerseys, colors and flags. Among them were supporters of Brazil, Croatia, England, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Iran, Colombia, Ecuador and the United States.

The students were among the thousands who gathered around the big screen and watched Brazil defeat Croatia in a 3 to 1 victory. After the game, the group grabbed dinner and got to work on the feature stories that will be posted on the group’s blog.

This morning, the Bobcats boarded the media bus and headed to the U.S. MNT hotel and waited outside for the players to come out, one by one, for media availability. Tim Howard, Matt Besler, Graham Zusi, Jermaine Jones and DeAndre Yedlin were the guys who met the media for the final questions before heading to Natal.

Transcribing quotes after a press conference at SPFC. Photo credit: Dr. Ashley Furrow.

Kevin Noonan, Carl Fonticella and Katie Foglia will be the three students traveling with Dr. Ashley Furrow to Natal tomorrow morning with the media program to prepare for the opening match of the World Cup on June 16 at 6 p.m. ET. All of the students participating in the program will attend at least one World Cup match.

“I have been thrilled with the opportunities I’ve had thus far,” Noonan said. “I am getting practical experience working on one of the largest stages in sorts. Everyone, both inside and outside of the program, has taken a genuine interest in me, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.”

Stay posted for more updates from Brazil during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, thanks to U.S. Soccer Federation and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.