Brazilian Pledges Future to Hibs

The date June 10^th 1999 Scotland vs Brazil. The opening match of the world cup. The eyes of the world watching Stade De France. Meanwhile back at the Holyrood, London (the drinking den, em meeting place of the London Hibs) the atmosphere is hotting up.

Expecting a full house of Hibbies and Scotsmen I donned kilt and retro Scotland top and made my way to the Scottish pub. Pleasantries were exchanged with the Brazilians as I made my way there (somehow the English seem quiet and distant in the presence of a kilted member of the tartan army).

I found on my arrival the bar had been transformed into another world. Brazilians (many of whom had been there ages) had taken over. Flags, seats in a neat row in front of the big screen, there was a danger of being out numbered !

As kickoff approached I realised I was the only kilted soldier in the bar. Obligatory questions asked (by Paulo from Sao Paulo) and photos where taken so I did manage to make the most of the situation.

The atmosphere was probably the best of the tournament at the Holyrood. The main support of the Brazilians came from a big girl called Flavia. They were all urging Taffarel to ‘Come and catch the ball it’s yours!’ (in Portuguese) in response we sang ‘Taffy, Taffy drop the ball’. I also noted that Edmundo is refered to as Animal.

Well the rest is confined to history. They scored (shocker). A miracle sent from heaven – P-E-N-A-L-T-Y ! JC steps up – scores ! Overcome with emotion I had to do something so after straddling a few bemused Brazilians I was under the screen facing the crowd. Taking inspiration from Mel Gibson I turned around and celebrated Braveheart-style, proving to the Brazilians what it means to be a true Scotsman (pished, in kilt, will do moony).

Of course we went on to lose the game in tragic fashion but my efforts didn’t go unnoticed and a few invitations to parties were dished out and we went on to dance into the night despite being turned away from the Roundhouse (I’d like to see them ban English colours during the World Cup).

As it turned out the numbers of Brazilians was down to an English school just down the road. I met up with a few of them for a beer later in the week. So after sitting down to discover that my pint had been nicked by an Englishman this girl came up to me and said "I don’t know what your name is but I know what your bottom looks like’. I thought "No a bad chat up line".

So there it was the chance meeting, a variation on the eyes meeting across the crowded dance floor. The relationship developed over the next few months to the point when she left to return home. I promised to come out and bought a ticket.

In February I flew to Sao Paulo, we met up and things had been the way we left them. I had decided over the months we were apart this was the girl for me so after meeting the family and settling in a few days I popped the question and she said "Yes". We talked for ages and then she said "Now how are you going to tell my father?". [Oops, he doesn’t speak any English. But the first day I met him he sat me down in front of the telly gave me a beer and put the footie on (Palmeras – also Green & White are his team) with football who needs language anyway ?]

The next morning after a few quick lessons in Portuguese, and with the aid of a piece of paper I asked his permission and he said "Yes, Welcome to the family". So the whisky, Hibs and Scotland tops must have worked ! Later on that day he let me drive his tractor so I must have done good or something got lost in the translation.

So, the Scotland rematch is scheduled for the 2^nd October 1999 (which knowing my luck will be the first Derby game – against Dunfermline!). Gabriela – I cannae wait.