Packers and Eagles both wear green, a color disliked by the host of first NFL game in Brazil

By Mauricio Savarese

AP Sportswriter Mauricio Savarese developed the idea for his story on the color controversy as he looked for unique ways to tell the tale of the NFL’s first foray into South America. Savarese’s knowledge of the region was invaluable in the lead-up to the game, particularly his understanding of the Corinthians soccer club and its dislike of green, which is used by its local rival Palmeiras. Corinthians executives even contemplated painting the field at NeoQuimica Arena several years ago. It was ironic that green is one the primary colors for each of the teams playing on Friday night: the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles. Savarese’s story on Corinthians’ antipathy toward the color green was told with authority, combining his own knowledge of the team with interviews with a historian, a former player and fans. The story resonated with readers as the story racked up more than 200,000 views in the hours leading up to the game.

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