World Cup in London: Brazil

I went to watch Brazil -v- Colombia on Friday evening in Willesden.

There are lots of Brazilian shops and cafés in Willesden Junction / Harlesden, so I was expecting a good atmosphere.

Wandering around before the match, I saw lots of Brazilian flags adorned houses and shops - mainly a combination of Brazilian beauty and butchers.

I first settled in a small café bar, which was pretty quiet to begin with... until Brazil scored their first goal a few minutes into the match.

It's all got a bit more lively here since the goal. A delightfully flighty woman is going around painting everyone's face green and yellow.

Nonetheless, mid-way through the first half, I decided to wander on and found The Misty Moon in Harlesden.

This large bar was full, packed full of Brazilian fans. It was a huge party.

It sounds like there's a ten piece samba band up the front of this bar. I can't see (it's so crowded), so there may well be.

There's a lot of Mexican waving going on to a Beyonce's Single Ladies soundtrack.

Two guys on a stage up the front are DJing and throwing gifts to the crowd. A bright blue raffia wig has just gone flying.

Huge energy here. A woman turns to her friend saying "You need to calm the F down" before blowing her vuvuzuela for more than a full minute.

Into the second half, Brazil were in the lead, and the celebrations had begun. Lots were paying no attention to the game, choosing to dance, laugh, party.

Then out came a huge Brazilian flag, the size of an average London flat.

A Brazilian flag the size of a house has been unfurled, with lots of enthusiastic waving.

A banner outside the bar was emblazoned with Rio de Harlesden. It really felt like I was in Brazil when the final whistle went.

The singing and dancing went on for ages. As I left, all along my bus route, more and more groups of Brazil fans were waving their flags and celebrating their victory.

Imagine what it'll be like if they actually win the World Cup!