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ANGEL NAKAMURA
Updated
Brazil supporters brought plenty of energy and humor to Philadelphia ahead of their World Cup clash against Haiti, gathering at the iconic Rocky Balboa statue for a lively “banderazo” that quickly caught the attention of soccer fans around the world.
The event took an unexpected twist when several Brazilian fans dressed the famous movie statue in an Argentina national team jersey, embracing the South American superstition known as “mufa.” In soccer culture, “mufa” refers to an alleged curse or jinx that supporters believe can bring bad luck to a team.
By placing Argentina’s colors on one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable landmarks, Brazilian fans joked that they were sending some unwanted fortune toward their longtime rivals.
