The reception at the Novotel Carquefou in Nantes turned into a joyful space for a few minutes following the Brazilian National Team’s qualification for the semifinals of the Paris Olympics. Family and friends of the players and coaching staff welcomed them with applause in the hotel lobby. For over half an hour, the atmosphere lightened up in the venue early Sunday morning.
Everyone there, including the French staff at the Novotel, recognized the significance of the result achieved by the Brazilian National Team just hours earlier at the La Beaujoire Stadium, where they eliminated France with an unprecedented 1-0 victory.
READ MORE
++ Caio Bonfim, the persevering athlete who dreamed of being a footballer like his idol, Neymar Jr.
++ Real Madrid’s Courtois compares Endrick to Eden Hazard, “Endrick’s got strong legs like Eden did”
++ Rebeca Andrade enters the history of Brazilian gymnastics
Leading her teammates, midfielder Yaya led songs that emphasized the pride of being Brazilian. Coach Arthur Elias joined in the celebrations, always making it clear that “after the just and well-deserved celebration,” it would be time to shift focus to the match against Spain on Tuesday (6) in the semifinal.
“This night is indeed for celebration. But tomorrow morning, we’ll shift gears and focus on the clash with Spain, with the best possible preparation for that match.”
Bronze medalist in Paris, skateboarder Rayssa Leal visited the team again, sharing her smile and confidence that the team can go further in the Games. She had previously met with the delegation in Bordeaux a few days earlier.
“I’m very happy. The magnitude of the result they achieved today is enormous,” said Rayssa.
