On TV, watching Brazil thrash Italy in the Confederation Cup and the cheers in the stands gave a different picture than the one seen -- and read -- on many of the world's newspapers which have highlighted the silent protests across the nation. The hosting of the Cup and to-be held World Cup next year and the surrounding issues over the public money to be spent on these showpieces while the nation is struggle with economic crises brings me to the question of Goa hosting the Lusofonia Games. Goa is in deep financial crises and the common people are suffering from high market prices for essential items and the government has graciously allowed itself to be the host for the games. Money spent on the games should have been channelled into grassroot development of sports. The CM should think hard. Brazil has pulled out its football and volleyball teams for the Goa trip, as reports say.
Eugene
