Every four years, Brazil arrive to the World Cup carrying two bags: one filled with talent, the other weighed down by expectations. The talent changes. The burden doesn’t. Every ne
The report indicates that every four years, Brazil arrive to the World Cup carrying two bags: one filled with talent, the other weighed down by expectations.
It further notes that every new generation inherits the same impossible standard. Fanatics expect samba in football boots. They expect elasticos, no-look passes, outrageous nutmegs and dance celebrations.
That’s been far from the reality. And they have been far from their best.
For nearly three decades, Brazil have served football that is disciplined, calculated and cautious. Good enough to compete but not enticing enough to enchant. Since lifting the World Cup in 2002, the near misses are so well documented; it’s no use rewinding the pain.
Zidane’s masterclass in 2006. The Dutch comeback in 2010. The Mineirão nightmare in 2014 after Neymar suffered a spine injury from single-handedly carrying the nation on his back. Then, Belgium in 2018. Croatia in 2022.
And with that expectation comes the nostalgic comparisons.
Every touch is compared to Pelé. Every dribble to Ronaldinho. Every moment of brilliance to Romario. Every goal to Ronaldo. Each generation walks onto the pitch wearing boots far bigger than their own.
With over 200 million people coaching the team from living-room couches and bar stools, is this really surprising? Overnight, everyone becomes a manager, convinced they saw the pass that wasn’t played, the space that wasn’t exploited, or the chance that should have been taken.
And yet, ironically, the one man who now carries that responsibility isn’t even Brazilian.
Carlo Ancelotti’s greatest gift has never been tactics alone, but knowing when to conduct and when to allow the orchestra to do their thing.
It’s where he excels best. It’s Sinatra at the Opera.
Five-time world champions are expected to find a way, even on days when they are far from their best. For Brazil, anything less than beautiful football is anathema to their very identity.
Against Japan, they huffed and puffed before Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner booked their place in the round of 16.
We caught glimpses of what this team could become against Haiti and Scotland, but these were opponents Brazil were expected to beat. Sterner tests in England, Mexico or even Argentina lie ahead to get to the final.
