Dubai: Neymar’s tournament-ending back injury, sustained during Friday’s quarter-final against Colombia, could be the making of Brazil, not — as many suspect — the beginning of the end.
Few believe the hosts will triumph without their talisman against Germany in Tuesday’s semi-final, but the shock of losing their star player could just as easily be a catalyst for further success for the five-time world champions.
At every stage we’ve seen a near upset precede an ever more spirited display from a Selecao. Would Brazil have fought as vehemently against Cameroon to win 4-1 in the final group game had they not just drawn 0-0 against Mexico, for example? And would their 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia have been as passionate had Chile not just run them close in their second round penalty shootout?
Neymar’s injury, and — let’s not forget — Thiago Silva’s suspension, could be the third great wake-up call this floundering squad needs to finally get them over the finish line. And, while this is far from the greatest side to have donned the green and gold, you should still write Brazil off at your peril.
The affect of having 198 million home supporters getting behind you — or not as the case maybe — cannot be underestimated. And the need to bury the ghosts of 1950, when Brazil lost the deciding match of the World Cup 2-1 to Uruguay on the only other time they played as tournament hosts, will be under the skin of every player.
If ever the remaining players in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad needed to step up and prove their critics wrong, both for their country and their careers, it’s now. And while we’ve lambasted the half-hearted displays of Neymar’s colleagues Jo, Fred and Hulk, the need to dig yourself out of a hole while your back is against the wall can inspire the most exceptional of reactions, turning even the most average players into true champions.
Brazil might have gone blindly into Tuesday’s semi-final comforted by a false sense of security thanks to Neymar’s expected heroics. But now he’s out of the equation, that added percentage every player will have to call upon might just make the difference.
No team is running away with this tournament and, even with the likes of Lionel Messi, Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, Argentina and Holland have been mediocre in the knockouts.
Germany have been just as poor and perhaps represent the truest team left in the competition as they are devoid of one standout, consistent performer. But Brazil have something the other three teams don’t — and that’s sudden adversity and the urgent need to overcome it.
