The World Cup has turned into a subject of double grief for the Brazilian people as they now have to absorb the shock of seeing their own team humiliated by Germany and also watch bitter rivals Argentina producing their best display to progress to the grand finale. They at least expected Brazil’s presence in the final, no matter who would be the opponents but the harsh reality is that the hosts will not be present in the final. It will be Argentina taking on Germany on July 13 at the coveted Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
The streets of Sao Paulo remained deserted following the second semifinal as Argentina sealed the final berth. It was a little unusual because the football fans usually share their thoughts while having a beer after a game. Even though the rain stopped the normal scenario did not resume like before.
Moreover the joy of the Argentine fans, around 70,000, as per the official statement, knew no bounds as they roamed across the city with joy and glory that has also increased the pain of the Brazilian fans. In the Metro I saw an Argentine fan consoling an on-duty policeman saying, without midfielder Kaka and forwards Luis Fabiano and Alexandre Pato, Brazil suffered. The Brazilians however did not react aggressively towards their rivals.
It is now more than true that Brazil have failed to live up to their hype. Some great performances exhibited by their beloved son, Neymar, concealed the deficiencies of Brazil until Germany ruthlessly exposed all of their weaknesses. Brazil has been proved psychologically fragile, the defence was poor and the offence toothless.
Joao Vitor, a salesman of Clovis, a chain departmental store, said he will not see the Brazil-Netherlands third-place decider. “There is no interest left. I will not follow it seriously, I might occasionally watch the scoreline. This team is not good. I have lost the confidence upon them,” said Vitor.
