the film reflects on theme of the relationship between 'asphalt' (the terms used to refer to regular districts in rio) and 'morro' (the term used to refer to favelas), examining the endeavors of the disenfranchised to rise out of life of crime and poverty, in this case through ascension through professional football.

more information on show de bola can be found on this webpage.

a perfect complement to the film cidade de deus,  tropa de elite (elite squad) (2007) was directed by josé padilha and co-written by city of god's screenwriter braulio mantovani.