Stamford's Brazilian Connection to the 2014 World Cup

With the United States' win in Sunday's Gold Cup soccer match, all fútbol fans' eyes turn towards the stage set in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup. 

Fabio Sergio "Serge" Figueira, 44, is Stamford's own local connection to all the action set to come next June. A Brazilian native, Figueira has been a Connecticut native since 1987, with his wife, Claudia and 13-year-old son Fabio, though he's been visiting his home country annually since 2006. 

Figueira just returned to Stamford, where he tends bar at Murphy's Townhouse Cafe, from his summer visit earlier this past June. He plans to visit again for the World Cup, but said the current political climate would present an issue for visitors. 

"There were a lot of protests going on, things like high taxes had people filling the streets," Figueira said. "There's no doubt about it, [the World Cup coming to Brazil] is certainly making more people aware of the issues there. There are a few people using the cup matches going on as a reason to protest, but a majority care about issues [in Brazil.] 

"I don't think [the protests will still be going on a year from now,] but it's possible," he continued. "The biggest issue would be people helping tourists with the language. I don't think the hotels are prepared for the number of guests without any local assistance."

With the United States' win in the Gold Cup, they've locked in an appearance in the World Cup. Teams will be playing qualifying matches throughout the next year up to the tournament. Brazil most recently won the Federation Cup, but they're already guaranteed an appearance due to their status as host country. 

Despite their lock as host, the Federation Cup win for Brazil confirms Figueira's beliefs that the team is on the rebound after a couple years struggling, and he believes they have a legitimate shot at taking home the top prize. 

"With Brazil's win last month, they finally look like a respectable team again," he said. "They were not looking that good the last three years, but their new coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, is a motivator. And we call the Federation Cup the 'Mundialito,' or 'Little World Cup. I hope Brazil wins, but Germany has a big chance, too. They're a good team, young and focused.'"

Figueira said, though he'd be in his home country of Brazil and watching with friends and family there and even attending a couple of games, he'd be rooting for both the U.S. and Brazil—as long as they're not facing each other.

"It will be like [Connecticut was hosting the Superbowl,] but bigger," he said. "I will root for the US if they are not playing Brazil, but if they are, I'm always a Brazilian fan. We've won five World Cups, but never in our own home. It will be a very exciting month!"