Why did Ecuador fans dress the Rocky statue in national colours?

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Ecuador Fans Adorned the Rocky Statue as Part of a Long-Standing Pre-Match Ritual

Ecuadorian fans decorated the statue of fictional boxer Rocky Balboa in their national colours as a traditional pre-match ritual observed by visiting supporters in Philadelphia. This practice, which has become a recurring element for teams playing in the city, involves fans gathering at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and adorning the iconic bronze statue with their team's colours. This custom has, for some, become associated with a superstition known as the "Rocky curse."
The "Rocky Curse" Superstition

The "Rocky curse" is a superstition prevalent among visiting supporters in Philadelphia. It is believed that interfering with the Rocky statue, by dressing it in team colours or celebrating extensively on the famous steps outside the museum, brings bad luck. A string of instances where visiting teams reportedly failed to secure a victory after engaging in this ritual has fuelled this belief among fans.
Ecuador's Match Against Ivory Coast

The practice gained renewed attention when Ecuador fans decorated the Rocky statue in their national colours before their match against Ivory Coast on June 14. This game ultimately resulted in a 1-0 defeat for Ecuador, with Ivory Coast scoring a late goal. Online discussions and fan theories subsequently attributed Ecuador's loss to the superstition, further embedding the "Rocky curse" narrative.
Brazil's Approach to the Ritual

In contrast to the Ecuadorians, Brazil supporters, aware of the growing superstition, opted against dressing the Rocky statue or staging large celebrations on the Rocky Steps before their own match. This cautious approach was embraced by fans as a potential factor in maintaining Brazil's winning momentum, reinforcing the popular narrative surrounding the "curse" among supporters.

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Why did Ecuador fans dress the Rocky statue in national colours?

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