Disgarce, humiliation and dejection are the three words that will be the perfect synonyms to describe the status of the Brazilian team that finished at an all-time low at their own backyard. Following the unprecedented 7-1 abjection at the hands of Germany, Brazil lost 3-0 in the third-place decider against the Netherlands, the first instance in 40 years when the Selacao lost two consecutive matches at home.
It was a pity to see all the Brazilians boycotting the match as Bras, the biggest market in Sao Paulo. Although the market kept on buzzing as the match started, people paid little attraction to the game. It was totally a different scenario altogether when the World Cup started. The roads were deserted, the pubs were full of yellow and green jerseys and parties took place after every match. On Saturday, when Brazil were playing against the Netherlands, it was not the same.
The shops were open, the roadside cafes had little audience although the television was showing the game and when Brazil conceded the first goal some people let out screams of dejection in favour of the Netherlands. No one even bothered to counter them.
It was not the way Brazil wanted to finish the World Cup as Ramires said in the mixed zone at the Brasilia Stadium. Ramires apologised to his countrymen for the disappointing campaign in the tournament.
“We were disappointed to have ended this way but we have to try to put the head in place and have peace of mind with our families. What we ask is sorry to the fans who supported us even today on the way to the stadium,” said Ramires.
“We came from a big defeat, which nobody expected. Today we went from the beginning trying to win to clinch third place but it was not our day. We created chances and tried to play well but we lost. Do not have to say anything more. We need to see what went wrong to improve in the future but it is true that this will mark us for the rest of our lives,” admitted Ramires.
According to Aristotle, tragedy led to catharsis, a great emotion deeply rooted in the heart. Brazil will now look forward to propel themselves in 2018 and they have a hell lot of work to do.
