The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for their highly anticipated 2024 season opener in Brazil, where they will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at Arena Corinthians on Friday night. This marks the first ever NFL game to be held in South America, making it a historic moment for both teams and football enthusiasts in the region.

Head Coach Matt LaFleur expressed his excitement about being in Brazil and the warm reception they have received so far. He praised the hospitality of the Brazilian people and highlighted their eagerness to make history with this game. LaFleur even initiated his news conference with a friendly Portuguese greeting, "Bom dia," showing the team's enthusiasm for the opportunity.

The Packers' experience in Brazil has been overwhelmingly positive, with LaFleur acknowledging the fans, hotel accommodations, food, and overall organization. The only minor obstacle was the lengthy 10-hour flight from Green Bay to Sao Paulo. However, LaFleur reassured everyone that the journey was smooth, thanks to spacious pods that provided comfort for the players.

Quarterback Jordan Love expressed his gratitude towards the passionate Brazilian Packers fans who welcomed the team at the airport. He acknowledged the significance of playing the first ever NFL game in South America and promised to deliver an exciting match. Love described the event as the Brazilian Super Bowl and expressed his excitement to showcase their skills to the local fans.

During Thursday's practice, the Packers ramped up the intensity to prepare for the game. The team combined elements from their usual Friday and Saturday workouts, incorporating small team and individual periods to shake off the effects of the long trip. In a press conference before practice, LaFleur emphasized the importance of the ground game in Friday's matchup, particularly with the running threat posed by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The Packers and Eagles both made significant moves in their backfields during the offseason, signing top running backs Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley, respectively. Jacobs, who was the NFL's rushing champion in 2022 with the Las Vegas Raiders, and Barkley, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 with the New York Giants, are expected to make a big impact in the game.

The Packers' successful trip to Brazil is credited to the collective effort of the organization. The team invested significant time and preparation, and Head Coach LaFleur expressed his appreciation for the key personnel who played a crucial role in making the trip to Sao Paulo smooth and seamless. With their support, the Packers are now fully focused on their upcoming game at Arena Corinthians.

LaFleur also expressed the belief that international games like these will become more common for the Packers and NFL teams in the future. This follows Green Bay's previous international game in London two years ago, demonstrating the team's willingness to showcase their brand globally.

Although the Philadelphia Eagles are technically the home team for Friday's matchup, the Packers are counting on a strong turnout from their Brazilian fanbase. LaFleur hopes that the local Packers fans will come out in full force, creating a home-field advantage for the team. This was the case in their previous international game in London, where Packers fans made their presence felt with their enthusiastic chanting.

As the Packers brace themselves for this historic moment, they are looking forward to embracing the new environment and showcasing their skills on the international stage. With a momentous occasion at hand, football fans in Brazil and around the world eagerly await the kickoff of this groundbreaking game in South America.