【明報專訊】As the 2018 World Cup is approaching, let's enhance our knowledge of soccer. We'll start with the country Brazil, a mecca (熱門地方) for soccer fans.

Sightseeing

Maracana stadium (馬拉簡拿球場) , the largest in Brazil which can accommodate 78,838 spectators, was built to hold the 1950 World Cup. Brazil has held two World Cups in total.

Brazil's nightmare

To the Brazilians, the stadium is a place filled with sorrows. In this stadium the Brazilian national team was defeated by Uruguay in 1950. The miserable experience is called Maracana?o (馬拉簡拿之痛). In 2014, Brazil lost in the World Cup again, suffering a 7-1 defeat by Germany in another stadium.

◆Meet the new stars

Nevertheless, Brazil now has a galaxy of talents, including Neymar and Jesus, who are both forwards and expected to join the World Cup.

Gabriel Jesus, dubbed "Lord Jesus" (主耶穌) on Hong Kong soccer night shows, plays for Manchester City (曼城). He is determined to deliver his best performance in the coming months and shine in the World Cup. (photo.2)

Neymar is an attacker playing for Paris Saint-Germain F. C. (巴黎聖日耳門). He underwent a surgery in March after suffering a fracture in his leg. He promised he would be back "in good shape". (photo.3)

(Sources: Ming Pao, FIFA)

■English highway﹕a galaxy of

It refers to a large number of talents or important people.

e.g. In the Oscars, you see a galaxy of stars.

■Quiz

1. Maracana stadium can accommo date less than 70,000 people. True/False

2. In the 2014 match to Germany, Brazil got 7 points. True/False

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

accommodate (v) 容納

dub (v) 稱為

undergo (v) 接受

fracture (n) 骨折

[Smarties' Power English 第217期]