On the Ground at the World Cup: Croatians Drinking, Brazilians Singing

SÃO PAULO, 10 AM - I just stepped out of my apartment and saw a group of Croatian tourists drinking beer from huge cans, taking pictures of everything, and speaking in a crazy language. Since one of them spoke English I asked if I could take their picture. They obliged.

Yes, in the plastic bag is a twelve pack of Brazil's finest cheap beer. The guy holding the bag appears to have won some sort of secret lottery that only he knows about.

This fine gentleman by the name of Waldomiro was cleaning the streets with this freakishly huge machine while holding a tiny Brazilian flag. Looks like a street version of a Zamboni.

When the World Cup starts, Brazil comes together. It's a well known fact, and a very true one at that. We don't know if we're the country of soccer, but we truly are a soccer country. Even today, one of the most sung songs about the Brazilian team is from the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, when Brazil was under dictatorship but Pelé was scoring like mad.

This is a version of "Pra Frente Brasil" from Angra, a Brazilian Heavy Metal band. It speaks of the Brazilian spirit coming together during the World Cup. Yes, we know it's cheesy but don't act like you're not impressed with the video.

Nonetheless, the message is clear. When the World Cup starts, we are one. We are legion. Not so much a single one nowadays, not after the wildly popular upheavals of last year.

But there are lots of people chiming for attention while the world turns their eyes to Brazil, or at least the countries around the world that play soccer.

As I'm writing this article some rioters are trying to block Radial Leste, the main road to the East region of São Paulo, and not by coincidence where the Itaquerão stadium is located. The riot police are all over them with tear gas and media from all over the world are covering the story. But the majority of Brazilians are happy the game is starting.

This guy was with his family spreading the Islamic word, but he also posed with the thirsty Croatians.

These phallic sculptures represent Brazil's five World Cup titles. Pretty ominous IMO.

Walking around Paulista Avenue you can see a lot of Croatian tourists, fully dressed, drinking beer, taking pictures, and feverishly looking forward to the start of the game. When flocks of yellow and green dressed Brazilians and groups of checkered Croatian tourists see each other, they go with a universal greeting of "Heeeey." There's a good chance that greeting will evolve in an interesting way as the day trucks on.

We don't know how the World Cup is going to unfold, but at least Paulista Avenue surely seems like it's going to be fine. Until the next riot.

VICE Sports correspondent Pedro Moreira lives in Brazil and will be providing colorful updates for all of us to enjoy throughout the World Cup.