Control, creativity and style. These are the three basics for freestyle soccer.
It has been five years now since freestylers from all over the world faced each other in the biggest international competition of the sport: Red Bull Street Style.
To reach the World Finals, freestylers from all around the planet go through qualifying in their home countries first.
In Brazil, the decision this year happens in Fortaleza, where the 16 best freestylers in the country fight for a spot in the world finals.
You are representing your country, you are representing your community. The freestylers in your country are all cheering for you.
It is like a big family but in which the people do not know each other in person. Therefore, at the competition I was facing a guy that I used to admire throughout videos. We used to play with each other, and practice together.
It is a very good thing to be able to compete and represent your country in a competition.
France in 2008, Norway in 2010 and Japan in 2012. These are the three world champions countries. Brazil already came close, but until today continues the struggle for the unprecedented title of the Red Bull Street Style.
In 2008 I was the Brazilian champion of the Red Bull Street Style, therefore I qualified for the World Championship, which took place in São Paulo. I ended in third place, and it was an incredible experience.
I won all the battles in the first day securing my spot for the next day, among the 16 finalists. And right away I faced a very strong opponent
that was the representative of Poland. Between me and him, he ended up winning. And he continued, so I was left behind in the round-of-16.
Unfortunately, in Italy, I was not among the 16 best, but just to be participating in a World Championship was an unspeakable experience.
The country of soccer art and "ginger" has not yet reached the top of the Street Style World Championship. There are some explanations...
Nowadays, the Brazilians focus a lot on technique, control, and do not take the show seriously. I think that is the reason.
The reason is that the European and Asian levels are very high, so it is hard to win a World Championship, because there are so many good competitors around the world.
I took risks in some moves and this made me miss a few things, but I'll try to fix this next time.
It makes us nervous and we end up making mistakes that we usually would not make. But it is always good to be there. We have to compete, we have to give our best, to go there with the purpose of winning.
Now it is time to keep trying to intensify more and, with God's will, reach the final.
He returned. Five years later, Murilo Pitol represents, once again, the green and yellow colors in the world final of the Red Bull Street Style.
Tickets to Tokyo are guaranteed and there is a great celebration in Fortaleza.
The actual best 16 athletes from Brazil were here, any anyone who won would be able to represent the country very well,
and I am very happy to have been the Red Bull Street Style's champion for the second time. The feeling of happiness is huge. Awesome, awesome!