Reality sets in for World Cup host as Brazil search for answers

Neymar provides inspiration but fans worry the supporting cast is lacking willpower. Buda Mendes / Getty Images

SAO PAULO // The front page of Folha De S. Paulo's Copa 2014 supplement carried a close-up image of Neymar, hair bleached blonde, head bowed above the headline "Será que dá?:

Loosely translated, “Is it still possible?”

One of the city's largest daily newspapers was asking what the rest of the country seemed to be thinking following Brazil's disappointing 0-0 draw with Mexico on Tuesday.

It was Brazil’s worst start to a World Cup since 1978, although they still have four points after two Group A fixtures. Folha attempted to temper the disappointment, reminding fans that Brazil had endured frustrating beginnings in 1958 and 1962. We all know how those tournaments turned out.

The Mexico stalemate had been tough to take – despite the obvious social and political problems, this remains a football-obsessed country – but the initial dismay soon dissipated.

Talk then turned to what the hosts must do to move on.

There is an expectancy that Brazil will advance from the group, that given Cameroon’s fiasco of a finals, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side are too strong to be victims of an upset in their final game on Monday.

Yet there is also a realisation, from newspaper columnists, television pundits, students and taxi drivers, that this is not a vintage Brazilian team.

In Neymar, they have a Pele, a Romario or a Ronaldo; an inspiration who can change a match on a whim. But each of those had a talented supporting cast. Brazil 2014, in five-time-world-champions’ terms, offer a strictly no-frills approach, their talented No 10 aside.

It is built on a strong defence, with earnest runners in midfield.

One commentator on Tuesday rated Paulinho at 3.5 out of 10. Fred fared only slightly better.

Rai, the captain in 1994, called for both to be ousted for Fernandinho and Willian, the English Premier League pair. Zico argued Fred simply needs more support.

Working as a television commentator, Roberto Carlos said he would have included in the squad Kaka, Ronaldinho and Robinho, all players with previous World Cup experience. They demand the ball, while some of the current players are perhaps prone to wilting in the glare.

Pele, whose presence is felt no matter where you travel here, offered words of comfort.

“Brazil weren’t bad against Mexico,” he said. “We could’ve won, and we still should fight to reach the final. The World Cup was never going to be easy.”

The majority of Brazilians share the view.

They acknowledge Germany are the competition’s strongest collective; that Argentina, reluctantly, carry a greater attacking threat.

Some even concede a run to the quarter-finals is maybe all Brazil can muster.

One constant, though, is that whatever misfortune they encounter, Scolari will be absolved of blame.

Felipao – Big Phil – delivered the trophy in 2002 and has not been dealt a favourable hand this time. He remains bulletproof in Brazil.

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