July 8, 2014, Brazilian supporters who packed Estadio Mineirao in the city of Belo Horizonte have prepared everything needed to await for the grand battle with German in the semifinals. A glass of cold beer, a handful of hot dogs, and a distinctive yellow jersey are the mandatory starter packs for the Brazil citizens who were coming to the stadium. None of them had the feeling that what they were about to witness later was a massacre, even the sadistic ones during the World Cup performance, against their own country.
There was nothing out of place that night, except for the starting eleven installed by Luiz Felipe Scolari. Dante filled in Thiago Silva’s post, which has accumulated cards. The injured Neymar was exchanged for Bernard. Then suddenly Maicon became a starter instead of Dani Alves. All seemed to be under control, at least until the 11th minute. Next is a horror show for the host.
Toni Kroos kicked Germany’s first corner in the match. Thomas Mueller somehow stood very free on a far post without escort. It was so free, he even welcomed Kroos’s pass with a shot along the ground. Goal. Germany 1-0.
Since the creation of Germany’s inaugural goal, Brazil’s retainer mentality immediately collapsed. They are no longer calm when carrying the ball. Many times they made a wrong passing. The attacks they build from below are always raw in the middle of the field. Host public began to worry that night would be a night of torture for them.
The second goal followed. 23 minutes, Thomas Mueller alone ruffled the Brazilian defensive row that was distorted. David Luiz, who was captain that night, was unable to replace Thiago Silva’s role as commander in defense. His duet with Dante will probably be remembered as his worst performance while defending Team Samba’s banner.
The Brazilian goalkeeper then conceded three more goals. Kroos scored in the 24th and 26th minutes. Sami Khedira added wounds in the 29th minute. The Brazilian defenders seemed to be invited to play cat and mouse by the German attackers. They are so easily played with short passes in front of the penalty box. A score of 0-5 for Germany adorns the scoreboard. Belo Horizonte became a cursed city that night.
Since the beginning of the tournament, Brazil’s move looks so convincing. They won the group by making 7 points from two wins and one draw. In the knock-out phase before meeting Germany, they managed to get rid of allied neighbors. Chile they beat through the round of penalties in the last 16. Then in the quarter-finals, James Rodriguez with the Columbia team is beaten with a score of 2-0.
Optimism soared in the chest of the entire Brazilian population. They began to act arrogant, especially in front of their allied neighbors who competed in the World Cup. They claim to be the most advanced nation in football. Local media also showed their self-confidence so highly. The headlines they created after Brazil won every match always imply an aura of arrogance.
Deliberately or not, this sense of pride is also transmitted to the football team. They then encounter obstacles when their two important players, Neymar and Thiago Silva, must be absent in the semifinals against Germany. Dani Alves, who was previously a starter, was suddenly replaced by Maicon. Nobody knew what tactic Scolari had chosen in that match. They were not at all aware of the destruction Germany could bring.
Brazil continues to play offensive games that are not matched by stability in the back line. Marcelo always lags behind in the attacking transition to defense.This gap is maximized by Germany.
In the end, they all fell embarrassed after being “made over” by Die Mannschaft with a very landscaped score. All Brazilian players are lying on the field after the referee blows the final whistle. Some of them could not stand the pain and shame of the defeat. But in the end, they learned something very valuable that night.
The Nation’s pride they had during the World Cup performance finally had to disappear thanks to the events of that night in Belo Horizonte. They all finally realized that too much self-confidence was causing destruction to themselves.
ASL
