Brazil were one of the tournament favourites ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. After Brazil strolled past the qualifying campaign under Tite, there were hopes of a scintillating performance at the biggest stage of them all. Alas! It ended too soon.
Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16. It was always going to be a tough match for both the teams but the number of chances missed by Brazil despite having more of the ball was what made it even more disappointing. Belgium coach Roberto Martinez played his team in a new formation and outsmarted Tite while Casemiro’s suspension due to two yellow cards cost Brazil their solidity in the midfield.
Still reeling and getting over the disappointment of the 7-1 humiliation at the hands of Germany in the 2014 World Cup, Brazil fans now had fresh wounds to nurse and eerily, by a nation with the same flag colours. cEven after the bus began moving, fans kept throwing stones and eggs at it, pouring out their anger on the players. That forced the security and police to open fire. Shots were fired towards the supporters in order to stop them from throwing stones.
Brazil had great support even in the faraway land of Russia. During all of Brazil’s games, their fans clearly outnumbered their rivals’ fans yet the team could not make the best of it.