In Brazil , an important religious role in football

The behavior of the players representing the religious life in Brazil .

In Brazil , an important religious role in football

When Brazil hosts the 2014 World Cup opening match against Croatia on June 12 , believed God will also help the players on the field .

And anyone who recorded the first goal for Brazil , most likely Jesus would be considered a role .

Everyone knows football is equated with religion in the country .

And religion also " translated " in the game .
The behavior of the players on and off the field representing the religious life there .

You will know because the Catholic players begin the game by making the sign of the cross .

After the victory in the final of the 2002 World Cup , all team members prayed , kneeling together .

Most players take off T-shirts with the words " I belong to Jesus . "
Most of the religious players

Brazil is the country with the majority of the population is Catholic colonized by Portugal since the 16th century .

In the 1940s , 99 % of the population are Catholic .

But this time it's adherents to 63 % , while an increase in residents Protestant , Muslim , Buddhist and African - Brazilian religion Candomble and Umbanda like .

According to Professor Carmen Rial , experts from the social anthropologist at the Federal University of Santa Catarina , almost all of the 60 Brazilian footballer who he interviews devout in religion .

" The ball players are very obedient to the law of God , but they also comply with the coach and the club . They also appreciate the discipline , very important factor in their career , " said Rial .

" I believe in every goal scored will be followed by a thank you to God . "

" But chances are we will not witness much demonstratively religious observance at the World Cup as we have seen before , at least not until they win ! Should we win , the celebration will be very noticeable ( demonstrate religious devotion , " he added .BBC