How can a man make a country cry? by Tony Green

Image of a soccer pitch with Brazilian flag

During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil various programming was shown on cable television related with the theme of soccer.

ESPN produced a show called “30 for 30” which caught my attention. The program profiles certain sport stories exposing the human side of the athletes portrayed.  One episode profiled the story of Moacir Barbosa who at the time happened to be one of the world’s best the goal keepers.  He had been chosen to handle the goalkeeping duties for the 1950 Brazilian national team which had been favored to win the World Cup the last time the tournament was hosted in Brazil prior to this year.  

Barbosa surrendered a “soft” goal in the final against Uruguay which allowed the country to win one of its two World Cup titles. The disappointment caused many people in Brazil to openly weep in despair and many others to express open hostility toward him.  Despite a brilliant career the defeat followed him like a shadow for the rest of his life.

Fast forward to 2014 and the scene of Julio Cesar, the 2014 goalie of the Brazilian national team, opening crying after his interview after Brazil survived penalty kicks against Chile would seem extreme upon initial glance. However, given the history of soccer in the country and the impact of the result to a nation of millions maybe I’d fold up like a cheap tent under such intense pressure.

The ‘beautiful’ game stands as a symbol as a global celebration of culture and competition.  Yet, as passionate as many fans are about their team and their countries and the game is, by far, the planets most prominent sport. The importance cannot be overstated of keeping mind that futbol is still only a game.