Neymar and Casemiro, among others, devastated after the defeat
Favorites to get the sixth star, the canarinha lives tormented since her title in Yokohama in 2002
Brazil’s nightmare in the World Cups has lasted 20 years. In June 2002, Cafu raised the World Cup trophy to the sky over Yokohama. With a double, Ronaldo had knocked down Germany and all were smiles in the canarinha. The fifth star was already on his shirt. Well, since then, always a favorite in each edition disputed, the verdeamarela has only been able to pass the quarterfinals on one occasion: it was in her tournament, in 2014, although almost better not to remember it. Why? Because the Teutonic team, ultimately the strongest, endorsed them seven, in a sort of Maracanazo suffered at the Mineirão Stadium. It was a tragedy, comparable to the one suffered in Doha. Until now, Brazil had danced in Qatar – except for the slip against Cameroon in a game that was worthless – but he found himself up against a rocky Croatia, that team that never loses faith, and turned off the music in the penalty shootout.
Part by part. 2006 World Cup. Germany. The canarinha defended the title. What happened? That in Frankfurt, with the Spanish referee Medina Cantalejo as a witness, the France of Thierry Henry, author of the victory target, Zidane, Vieira and company moved him out of the way. To the street in the quarterfinals. The title flew to Italy on that occasion.
Four years later, the World Cup was held in South Africa. Again in the quarterfinals, tears for the canarinha. What happened? That the Netherlands, finalist, moved them out of the way. Dunga’s block took the lead, with a goal from Robinho in the 9th minute. The green-yellow team held out until the break. And then the figure of Wesley Sneijder emerged. He signed a double. And another failure. goodbye again
always european
In Brazil, in 2014, they already had the title in their pocket, almost like in this edition in which the revelry has been nipped in the bud. In the semifinals, they met Germany. And he massacred them. The Teutonic machinery passed over them. Müller, Krose, Kroos, Khedira and Schürrle were the stars of this unforgettable victory. 0-5 in minute 28. The goal of honour, to call it somehow, was signed by Oscar in minute 89.
And in Russia, the executioner of the Brazilians was Belgium. Bob Martínez’s men took the lead with a target at Fernandinho’s own goal in the first half. De Bruyne continued. And only Renato Augusto, in the 76th minute, gave life to the South American team. But not. On the street again. Like this Friday in Qatar. By the way, always a European team as executioner: France, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Croatia.
