Rocky curse? Brazil supporters aren’t taking any chances ahead of World Cup clash with Haiti.
Fans of the Ecuadorian national team at the FIFA World Cup learned the same lesson as many NFL fans: Clothe Rocky at your own risk. Will Brazil supporters avoid the jinx?
International soccer supporters, be warned — clothe the Rocky statue at your own risk.
The fans of the Ecuadorian national team learned Sunday what many NFL fans already know about draping their colors over the statue of Rocky on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Ecuadorian supporters fitted Rocky with a yellow La Tri kit, then saw their team concede a 90th minute winner in its FIFA World Cup group-stage opener against Ivory Coast on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field (aka Philadelphia Stadium).
The effects of the “Rocky curse” are well-documented when it comes to football, but it was relatively untested on the beautiful game. Ecuador lost, 1-0, to the Ivorian side, which entered the tournament ranked 10 spots behind La Tri in the FIFA World Ranking.
Now, ahead of Brazil’s Friday night clash with Haiti at the Linc, Brazilian fans are trying to learn from Ecuador’s mistake.
The Instagram account for one of Brazil’s supporters’ groups, Movemento Verde Amarelo, posted a warning to its members to abstain from clothing the Rocky statue when Brazilian fans gather at the steps on Thursday evening.
“Attention Brazil Fans,” a translated version of the group’s post reads. “It is totally forbidden to put a Brazilian shirt on the Rocky Statue in Philly!!!!!”
Visit PA also warned international fans about the Rocky curse, though the message came too late for Ecuador.
“Countless football teams (as in American Football, not Fútbol — same curse, different sport) have all dressed the Rocky Statue in their colors and gone on to lose,” its Instagram post read. “Ecuador dressed Rocky last weekend Coincidence? Sadly, history says no.”
It’s yet to be seen if Brazilian supporters dare to tempt fate by suiting Rocky in the green and yellow of the Seleção on Thursday, but the curse would need to do some heavy lifting if invoked.
Brazil will enter Friday night’s match against the Haitians as favorites looking to get back on track after a draw with Morocco in its opening match. Haiti dropped to No. 85 in the FIFA World Ranking after losing its opener to Scotland, while Brazil is up to No. 5.
It would be a long shot for the Haitians to get beat the Brazilians, but underdogs have a habit of rising to the occasion in Philly — especially if the Rocky curse is in play.
Nine nations will compete in five group stage matches this summer, plus two more in a knockout game on July 4. Here’s what you need to know about those countries — and what those fans need to know about Philly. Click here for more.