Brazil is already in the semi-finals, but Tite’s team still does not wake up from a lethargy that already generates despair in the Carioca lands. And I say this, because even when the national team plays, the stadiums are filled or a carnival is generated when you see the canarinha. And believe me when I tell you that the atmosphere is not revolutionised, nothing happens, even in this quarter-final match against Paraguay on Thursday afternoon.
The numbers since Tite took over are excellent. He has led Brazil in 42 matches and has only two losses. But something happens that this team does not arouse interest, less emotion in one of the most footballing countries on the planet. Here in Rio de Janiero and in the middle of winter, the cariocas are more concerned with going out to go jogging along Avenida Atlántica, reaching the beach early and taking advantage of the sun – it darkens at 17.30 – and playing football-voley or practicing exercises in the modules arranged along the d’D and the 12 kilometers of beach that has “wonderful ceding”.
Of course, you will tell me that Brazil beat Peru mercilessly, it is true, but still this squad is far below and far from the essence of the golden eras of the 70s and 80s, where the verdeamarelha always delighted where it played. The legendary “Brazil” 70 that was world champion in Mexico had five extraordinary players, all left-handed, in the stellar oncena with Pele, Jairzinho, Rivelinho, Gerson and Tostao. Those who saw them play, say it was a magical, elegant and creative team. Absolute merit of the old fox Mario Zagallo, by locating these mega cracks in the team and making them coexist with a superlative and extraordinary Pelé.
The 1980s gave us players of fantastic quality: Zico, Socrates, Junior, Eder, Toninho Cerezo, Falcao. A Brazil full of magic and beach, complete with juggling and favela. Of course, that mega team couldn’t be world champion in 1982 because they didn’t have a centre-forward and quality archer, but the rest of the names previously delivered remain on the top of the pedestal.
Perhaps one of the last scratch teams worth remembering is the one that among their ranks had Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Romario, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. Those are banners of the Brazilian player’s most typical. They could be seen smiling and enjoying theself.
Today, the player from Brazil lost that, the smile. They are all great athletes, they make millions and they are in the best teams on the planet, but they lost that essence that made them different. That made them feared and respected on every court. What happened? Precisely the competition, the pass market and some technicians more concerned with adding points, began this revolution of subtracting the player from Brazil, that power that no other had.
When you walk along the beaches of Rio and you can see the boys and girls dominating, playing and juggling, there is a halo of hope that can recover and enhance that innate skill that they have.
When I see Dani Alves play, there’s something to enjoy. It’s almost like the last Mohican tried to keep that smile and joy of playing. He keeps that fun about playing, never stops smiling and tries to infect his robotic companions. He is for now the most Brazilian of all and that his career was forged under the European structure. It is appreciated to see him when he dares to face, to throw a tunnel in the midst of so much strategy and tactics.
Brazil wouldn’t be forgiven not to be a champion at home. The football town and in more than 70% do not like the game of Tite, despite the favorable statistic. At the moment young Everton is also able to maintain that DNA of the pentacampéon player, until he surely leaves South America to emigrate to Europe.
For moments, it has been contradictory to be covering this Copa America with a Sometimes petty and avar Brazil in terms of the spectacle. Those who gave magic, spectacle and joy are always more demanding from the beginning. As Sabina’s song says Who stole from me in April? I’d ask who stole Brazil’s smile? Whoever did it or those who did it, please return it urgently. We all love football appreciates it.
The content poured into this opinion column is the sole responsibility of its author, and does not necessarily reflect the editorial line or position of El Mostrador.
