Brazil's World Cup defeat hits home in Lebanon

Beirut: Brazil's surprise defeat in the World Cup has stunned fans in the Lebanese capital Beirut, where football supporters have long put their hopes in the Latin American side. "We are all Brazilian, we all love Brazil to death whatever happens," said Ali, dressed in a skin-tight shirt, after seeing his heroes lose 2-1 to Belgium on Friday and crash out of the tournament in Russia.

The 24-year-old watched the match in the Shiite outskirts of Beirut, where Brazilian flags hang from buildings and shop windows are filled with life-size posters of players. "A supporter who loves his team, it's in victory but also in defeat," said Ali, who works in deliveries for a multinational firm. Millions of Lebanese have emigrated to Brazil since the end of the 19th century -- including the family of Brazilian President Michel Temer -- ensuring enduring support when it comes to football.