Brazil were once renowned for flair, creativity, and dominance on the global stage, but in 2024 they find themselves in an unfamiliar position. The recent shocking exit at the quarterfinals stage of the Copa America has left fans and pundits alike questioning what has happened to the once-mighty Seleção.
Just over two decades ago, the South American outfit reached three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals however now, they are perhaps at the lowest point in their history after being dumped out of their continental clash at the quarterfinals stage.
So, where did it all go wrong for Brazil?
Brazil’s recent performances have been a far cry from their illustrious history. The 2022 FIFA World Cup saw Neymar and Co. exit in the quarterfinals, losing to perennial surprise package Croatia via the dreaded penalty shootout. Four years prior they were dumped out once more at the hands of a European outfit, this time Belgium thanks to a Kevin De Bruyne thunderbolt. And things haven’t been any better in the Copa America either.
Back in 2019, Brazil took full advantage of a poor Argentina side to win the Copa America for the first time in 12 years, on home soil no less. However, while the Albiceleste would regroup and return stronger, the Selecao rested on their laurels. Argentina claimed the trophy two years later by defeating their great rivals in their Maracana home thanks to Angel Di Maria’s chipped winner. Now in 2024, the Selecao were eliminated by Uruguay on penalties in the quarterfinals in one of their worst displays in recent memory.
One of the key issues plaguing the team is inconsistency. The current squad lacks the cohesion that once defined them. While individual talents like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo have shone in club football, they have struggled to translate their form onto the international stage. Add to that the continued injury woes affecting their more experienced players such as Neymar and Casemiro, and it’s clear to see why they find themselves in the position they are in.
Despite their current woes, the popular Bovada betting website still makes Brazil a +600 joint-favorite for the World Cup in two years alongside back-to-back finalists France. But if they are to live up to the billing, they will have to get back on track and fast.
To understand their current struggles, it is essential to look back at one of their darkest days, the 7-1 drubbing by Germany in the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup. Was that the start of the Selecao’s decline?
Played on Brazilian soil, many had expected the hosts to make their way past Die Mannschaft before facing off against Argentina in the Maracana in a mouthwatering final. Instead, what we witnessed was a humiliation in front of the eyes of billions. Something that the entire country is still yet to get over. Luis Felipe Scolari’s side found themselves 5-0 down at halftime after four goals in nine crazy first-half minutes, before Andre Schurrle netted two more after the break.
Many argue that this was the turning point that triggered the downward spiral, with many calling for an overhaul and a complete rebuild from the very foundations of Brazilian football. But unfortunately, that reform would never come, and instead, things have gotten much worse.
In recent years, the footballing world has evolved rapidly, with teams adopting more sophisticated strategies and systems. While Brazil has traditionally relied on individual brilliance and attacking flair from the likes of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Kaka modern football demands a more adaptable approach. Pep Guardiola has highlighted the importance of playing as a team, and his possession-based football now dominates the beautiful game, something Brazil is yet to catch up with.
But while the Selecao still hasn’t caught up with the rest of the world, another problem comes in the fact that they don’t have individual stars in the ilk of their former icons. Neymar is forever injured while Vinicius can’t perform to the abilities that he does in the Bernabeu.
Another critical issue has been managerial instability. Over the last decade, there has been a revolving door in Rio De Janeiro, with no fewer than five bosses being appointed.
Additionally, there has been a noticeable leadership void within the squad. While Brazil has produced some of the greatest footballers in history, the current generation lacks the iconic leaders who could galvanize the team when the going gets tough. That’s something that is culturally engrained and will have to change fast if the Brazilians are to add a sixth star to their iconic yellow strip.
