World Cup 2014: Neymar & The Brazilian Wonderkids
The 2010 World Cup squad was one of the worst Brazilian teams in decades. Players like Robinho were inconsistent and indolent, while the inclusion of Felipe Melo and Elano confirmed the Selecao were in dire-straits. A quarter-final loss to Holland may be understandable to most fans but to Brazilians who have enjoyed five World Cup victories and numerous great squads it just was not acceptable. The success of Brazilian sides in recent Copa Libertadores competitions and the quality of the 2012 Olympic football team showed a new generation of future world-beaters as long as the celebrity culture and money doesnt go to their heads. Neymar is the tip of a very expensive and glamorous iceberg and it seems either Barcelona or Real Madrid is the preferred destination although the impending arrival of Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich could influence his decision. Ganso used to be considered his equal but a series of injuries has stalled his progression in the past couple of seasons. Oscar and Lucas are two of the most recent arrivals on these European shores. Oscar was introduced to the Stamford Bridge faithful with a bang two brilliant goals in a matter of minutes shocking a good Juventus side in the Champions League group stages. Lucas has just moved to PSG and well have to wait and see how he develops in the European game. Even in defence things are looking promising. Dede has been a solid rock for Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian league it is particularly surprising that no big club has attempted to buy him considering his huge talent and Thiago Silva has earned a reputation as perhaps the best central defender in Europe. The major problem for European clubs is persuading the players to make the move. The Brazilian economy is enjoying a boom period at the moment, meaning teams can afford to keep their best players and negotiate for a higher price its also the reason some of their former stars are moving back to their country of origin (e.g. Alexandre Pato and Luis Fabiano). On top of that the upcoming 2014 World Cup, which is being held in Brazil, is influencing more players to stay at home and wait until after the competition to make their move abroad. There is pressure on this current Brazilian squad like no-other since 1950. That year Brazil hosted the World Cup. They had built the glorious Maracana to host the final. Jules Rimet had even prepared his congratulations speech in Portuguese. A victory song was prepared and 22 gold medals were even made to give to the team. Uruguay won 2-1. There was no victory ceremony for the winners. The whole team was vilified for life apart from the two unused players who won the competition in 58 and the Brazilian FA even changed the strip colour from white to the now famous yellow, as the white shirts were now deemed a jinx. These young players have the pressure of a nation to win in 2014. The previous coach, Mano Menezes, was dismissed following the silver medal finish in the Olympic final. A sixth World Cup win is all that is acceptable.