6 August
On the River

Anyone who has followed football knows that this sport is perhaps Brazil's most famous export. Who can ever forget the wonderful Pele and those World Cup performances?

It is no surprise therefore, that as we travel through Amazonia, we find that even in the smallest of villages there is a soccer pitch, hacked out of the jungle, with eager youngsters ready to accept KM3's challenge!

On 29th July we suffered our worst defeat at the hands of a small village 135 km from Humaita, called San Salvadore. We lost 8-1 to a quick and skilful, barefooted side who had amassed an impressive number of trophies from various tournaments. These trophies were on display in one of their huts.

Taking a lesson in basics 'stop the ball, look up & pass', we challenged the next village team the following evening. Despite the 30° C heat, we went down 3-1.

Our next match on 2nd Aug was at the village of Vencedor, which means 'Victory' in Portuguese - a very apt name for KM3. Here we finally notched up our first win in Brazil. Our international team, including three of our own Brazilian players and four village 'guest' players, showed tremendous Kotamama spirit to hang on to a narrow 5-3 win.

We join the Amazon River within the next few days and we look forward to our next match with another village.