The good news came direct from President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, who is keen for the whole country to get behind the team.
Brazil's matches kick off at 0300, 0600 and 1800 local time, so the normal working day has been changed from 1000-1700 to noon-1900.
Presumably it will suddenly become 0600-1900 if the Samba Boys make an early exit.
Silent treatment
Italy's players have boycotted the singing of their national anthem after being accused of not knowing the words.
Midfielder Gennaro Gattuso said the squad was reacting to a campaign putting pressure on them to belt out the song for the TV cameras.
"We all know the words. We sing the anthem every day, even two or three times a day when we are in the team bus," Gattuso insisted.
"But we have decided not to sing on
the field, it is a question of pride," the AC Milan star added.
At least if the Italians go a long way in the tournament, no-one can accuse them of only singing when they're winning.
Barthez Blanc-ed
Fabien Barthez has been feeling a little put out because his kissing partner has not been returning his calls.
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New order
Cup report
