VOA常速英语:Rainy Day is Not Enough to Slow the World Cup Party

RIO DE JANEIRO — The rain has been coming down all day in Rio de Janeiro. The streets are almost empty. Same with the beaches.

Some people are out, under the umbrellas of the ocean-side cafes, watching the day’s games, or listening to them on the radio under some scaffolding, but the rain has kept most people inside.

But it’s different at the FIFA Fan Fest on Copacabana Beach. It’s packed, just as it has been every day since the World Cup started.

Colombian fans are out in force. As a fan from Ivory Coast looks on in disgust, Colombian supporters celebrate a go-ahead goal.

One man said the weather was not going to keep him away.

“The rain is rain. Rain, snow, sleet, anything - we’re still here representing our country,” he said.

As Colombia celebrates the win, a group of tourists play soccer in the street. Back on the beach, locals are out playing as well. After all, a World Cup in Brazil is a once in a lifetime experience. Here in Rio, a little rain isn’t enough to stop this party.