Despite Defeat, Brazil Still Has a Great World Cup History

Sure it was a lopsided defeat (Germany advanced to a record 8th final, routing Brazil 7-1) and I certainly have problems with conditions in Brazil, but they are still THE country in soccer/futbol.

They have won a record 5 World Cups and this time were without two key players, including the great Neymar, when routed by Germany.

One thing Brazil has never done is win a World Cup that they hosted, but they have only hosted twice. In 1950, the only other time they hosted a World Cup, Uruguay upset them in the final.

That inspired a 9 year old Pele, heartbroken by his country’s home defeat in 1950, to the greatest career in the sport. He led them to 3 World Cup victories.

Pele