More than half of Brazilians have no interest in the World Cup in Russia, according to an opinion poll today, despite the country's stellar history at the championship.
Fifty three per cent are treating the World Cup, which starts Thursday, with a giant shrug, the Datafolha poll found. That was up from 42 per cent in January, possibly reflecting a steady diet of bad news about the economy, corruption scandals, and a truckers' strike that brought the country to a standstill for more than week in May.
The respected pollsters reported that this was the most tepid build-up to a cup since the question was first posed in 1994.
The least interested in the upcoming action in Russia were women (61 per cent), people aged between 35 and 44 (57 per cent), and those living in the south of the country (59 per cent).
Brazil go to their opening game against Switzerland on Sunday with high confidence after an impressive series of qualifiers and warm-ups.
Many believe that Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and company can bring home the trophy for a record sixth time. Brazil is already the record holder with five titles.
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