Mineirazo: A Vergonha Nacional do Brasil (Brazil's National Shame)

Brazil's 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany on Tuesday will go down as the worst loss in Brazil's soccer history. Just take a look at the front pages of the national newspapers:

"Massacre"

"National Team suffers the worst loss in history"

"The loss of losses'"

"Humiliation at Home"

But why is this the worst loss in history and what does it mean for Brazil? Prior to last Tuesday's game, the worst loss in Brazilian soccer history was the "Maracanazo" in 1950 (the game took place at Maracanã stadium in Rio). It was the World Cup Final and Brazil only needed a tie to win it all as it used to be a Round Robin format. Brazil went up early in the second half 1-0, but Uruguay came back to win 2-1 in front of  speechless 215,000 fans (still the World Record). The loss was compounded by the fact that Maracanã had been built by Brazil for the 1950 World Cup and was a symbol of Brazil's modernity and emergence as a soccer powerhouse. Furthermore, prior to the game Brazilians had already began celebrating as Brazil had sailed through the group stages and Uruguay had encountered strong headwinds. One newspaper even printed and distributed early additions declaring Brazil's victory. Although it occurred 64 years ago, every Brazilian I spoke with knew of Maracanazo and to this day Brazil will never wear white jerseys as they had worn white jerseys on Maracanazo, which is why the home kit is yellow. 

The Marcanazo goalie, Barbosa, was the scape goat of the match, and basically lived in exile of Brazilian soccer until he died.

"Barbosa was blamed for the defeat, for which he suffered for the rest of his life as the match became part of Brazilian folklore. In 2000, shortly before his death, he said in an interview: 'The maximum punishment in Brazil is 30 years imprisonment, but I have been paying, for something I am not even responsible for, by now, for 50 years.'"

So ya, it was kind of a big deal. So how was last Tuesday's game worst than this? Here are the main reasons:

1) Brazil is hosting the World Cup and has spent $14 billion dollars preparing to host the World Cup. There has been much controversy over the appropriation of this money towards a mega sporting event over education and health, and the efficacy that this money has been disbursed (aka corruption). 

2) Brazil is the pentacampeão, or five time champions. Italy has 4 and Germany has 3 World Cups, but only Brazil has 5. All around Brazil there are signs, t-shirts, and sidewalk art that say "Rumo ao hexa," or Road to Six. Brazilian soccer has become synonymous with excellence over the last two decades with wins in the 1994 & 2002 World Cups, and runner up at 1998 World Cup. Everyone was expecting Brazil to win the 2014 World Cup. Brazil had a 63 home winning streak. How could they possibly lose?

3) It was 7 to 1. Germany scored five goals in the first 30 minutes and 4 goals from minute 23 to 29. That is fucking embarrassing. Seriously, when have you ever seen a game where that happens?  Even when it's an amazing national team against a terrible one, a defeat is never so swift. The pentacampeão doesn't have to win every World Cup, but they should never, ever, ever, ever, ever lose in such an embarrassing fashion. 

4) Germans aren't that likeable. Seriously, show some emotion when you win rather than acting like a robot. 

5) Life is tough in Brazil. The GDP per capita is $13K, and given the stark income inequality, a good portion of Brazilians take home well below that. Brazilians use soccer as an escape from their tough lives. The country stops to watch the World Cup. Classes and work are cancelled, and nobody is in the street as everyone is glued to the television. All of Brazil's best players go to Europe to play, so the World Cup is Brazil's chance to show the world their talent. When you win, it's great. The 2002 World Cup win was followed by days of partying. But it's a double edged sword, and Brazil is devastated. 

6) Cherry on top, Ronaldo's record as all-time World Cup goal scorer was beaten by Germany's Klose in this game with his 16th career World Cup goal AND Germany passed Brazil as the team with the most cumulative goals in World Cup History. 

7) Argentina is in the final. Brazil absolutely HATES Argentina. I can guarantee every Brazilian will be cheering for Germany. 

The culmination of all these factors has left Brazil devastated. The game is already being called "Mineirazo" as the match occurred in Mineirão Stadium and."A Vergonha Nacional", or the National Shame, it is being called. The impact of this loss will extend beyond soccer. The World Cup expenditures were very controversial and have provoked mass demonstrations. The ruling party Partido Trabalhadores (PT), or "Worker's Party," would have had a great chance at silencing this dissent if Brazil were to win the World Cup. Instead, Brazilians have spent billions to host their own humiliation to the world. Talk about buyer's remorse. With Brazil's election in October, this loss will be on everyone's mind. In Brazil, politics and soccer mix more than they should. Politicians have shared the glory and blame of World Cup performances as the 4 year election cycle follows the 4 year World Cup cycle with a few month lag. This loss reduces the chances that Dilma of the PT party will be re-elected. It will also increase the people's demand for accountability from their government. I can already hear a Lil John remix using the song "Turn down for What" as "14 billion for What?!" If Argentina beats Germany, it would be salt in the wound.