XtraTime Web Desk:Brazil’s media has targeted intense reproval at the national football team after their 1-2 quarter-final defeat against Belgium on Friday, an outcome that discarded the five-time champions out of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
On Saturday, Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper columnist Mauro Cezar said that lessons were not learnt from the Selecao’s disgracing defeat to Germany four years ago in front of the home crowd. He pointed to a dream team of Belgium and Brazil players selected by a panel of television experts before Friday’s match, which had only three members from the European sides.
“Most Brazilians haven’t learnt anything from the 1-7 defeat to Germany four years ago,” Cezar wrote.
“To mock your opponent and underestimate their ability continues to be a national sport. There are sections of the media that support more than they inform. They distort the reality rather than provide an objective analysis.”
The Paris Saint-Germain player, Neymar, who scored only two goals in Brazil’s five matches,received the meanest comments. The Star forward was regularly liable for trying to trick referees during the matches by play-acting, drawing world-wide humiliation from fans and former players.
“Neymar will have to reflect on his tournament and try to understand why he is so disliked.Of course he would like to respond by winning, but now that is not going to happen,”said SporTV presenter Marcelo Barreto.
“He is now hated by many people. Have a look at how many times we discussed the international press taking aim at him. Is it happening because of a big injustice or do they have a point? He has to think about that.”
Underperforming striker Gabriel Jesus was also scorched by commentators. Coach Tite’s decision not to give more chances to attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino was questioned too.
Firmino scored in one of his rare appearances off the bench against Mexico while Jesus failed even in five starts.
“Without a single goal, Gabriel Jesus had the worst performance of a Brazil No. 9 at any World Cup,” Globo Esporte said. “Alcindo in 1966 and Mirandinha in 1974 also failed to score, but played fewer matches.”