Two years after their infamous 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat, the Selecao head into Saturday's Olympic final a shadow of their disappointing recent past
Two years ago Brazil were at the lowest point in their history.
Humiliated 7-1 by Germany in front of their own fans in a World Cup semi-final, it will stand the test of time as one of the most remarkable results in anyone’s footballing history.
Since their tragic elimination, Brazil has gone through many changes. They are now on their third coach since that night. Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked following the tournament, and his successor Dunga was let go in June after two disappointing years in charge.
On the field, Julio Cesar Fred, Bernard, Hernanes, Henrique, Jo and Maxwell were never to return. Thiago Silva was also banished, remerging only intermittently after being stripped of the captaincy.
Dunga brought in his own squad, focused around the likes of Miranda, Filipe Luis, Luiz Gustavo and new captain Neymar. But one year after the 7-1, his side could manage only a second-round exit to Paraguay at the Copa America.
His Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour record was flawless, but time and again Dunga came up short in major competitions and was dismissed in June after falling at the first hurdle in Copa America 2016.
Dunga had been set to lead the Selecao into this month’s Olympic Games, as they went in search of the last title still to elude the five-time world champions.
The fans appeared to lose all hope, with opinion polls showing Brazilian interest in the national team was at an all-time low.
But two years on, things are looking up for Brazil. The appointment of Tite as senior team coach has proved popular among the locals. After long negotiations, the former Corinthians man accepted the offer from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) but asked not to lead the team at the Olympics.
Rogerio Micale, a well-respected and erudite youth-team coach who has worked throughout Brazil, took up the role.
He immediately made an impression on local media and fans with his humility, gregarious and thoughtful demeanour. With a twinkle in his eye, he spoke of the need for Brazilian football to expand its thinking and the national conversation.
On Saturday he will lead a hugely promising generation into the Olympic final at the Maracana. A new breed, led by the golden trio of Neymar, Gabigol and Gabriel Jesus, has been complimented by the impressive Luan of Gremio and the Selecao are now narrow favourites for the showpiece event of Rio 2016.
The fans are back onside, too. Brazil have their swagger back, waltzing into the final after a tricky start that brought two consecutive goalless draws.
The truth may be that little has changed overall since the 7-1, but a long-awaited Olympic gold could well prove the start of a new era of Brazilian football.
..... - Goal