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To put it simply, there is none better. Five titles, more than any other nation, between 1958 and 2002 has firmly established Brazil as footballs world super-power. As well as this, Brazil are the only nation to qualify for every tournament.But its not just about the succe s. The swagger and style with which Brazil has sauntered to these victories has bewitched the rest of the watching world speechle s for more than a decade.The start of Brazils world cup adventure didnt show this promise however, as they were knocked out in the first stage of the 1930 tournament in Uruguay despite battering Jose Altuve Jersey Bolivia 4-0, due to a 2-1 lo s to Yugoslavia. The same fate was also suffered four years later in Italy, as Brazil fell in the first round 3-1 to Spain.A change in fortunes began in France in 1938, as Brazil, with stars such as defender Domingos da Guia and talented forward Leonidas da Silva, reached the semi-final stage, where they were beaten by eventual champions and holders Italy.1950 was to be, some experts say, the most important World Cup in the countrys history. Hosting it, the nation felt that this was their identity, and football could show the world what they could accomplish. They reached the final with a swagger, brushing aside teams like Mexico, Sweden and Spain 4-0, 7-1 and 6-1. They were saying they were world champions before the final. The 2-1 lo s to Uruguay in the final was such a huge shock to the country, that everybody began a period of Carlos Correa Jersey soul-searching, and, some say, shaped Brazil for years to come.There was no joy in 1954 also, losing during the Battle of Berne to a talented by gritty Hungary in the quarter-finals, but 1958 saw a new dawn for Brazil. Winners of the tournament, stars were also born such as Zagalo, Vava, but most particularly, Garrincha and Pele. At hat trick against France and a brace in the final established Peles remarkable rise to stardom.Pele and Garrincha started Brazils World Cup brillianceThis succe s was repeated in 1962, although Pele mi sed most of the tournament through injury. Fortunately, Garrincha stepped up, and won the tournament in a single Craig Biggio Jersey -handed manner that only since has been done by Diego Maradona. The world now saw Brazil as the outright best, and they also saw themselves this way.This is why being knocked out in the first round in 1966 was so devastating for them, the worst result in three decades. With Garrincha was finished, and Pele kicked out of the competition by a brutish Portugal, Brazil lacked the spark which brought them their succe s.They recovered it for 1970 though, when they swept all challengers aside gloriously, and with a team which boasted Pele, Gerson, Zairzinho, Tostao and Carlos Alberto, it as a claim to be the greatest team the world as ever seen.Brazils 1970 side the greatest ever?Their greatest succe s was followed by 24 barren years however, filled with disappointments, and rough teams which didnt show the verve previous sides did. Even the immensely talented 1982 side with Zico and Socrates couldnt win the ultimate prize.In order to return to winning ways, Brazil abandoned their samba style, and resorted to win-at-all-costs tactics, as they strong-armed their way to the 1994 cup in the USA.This fantasy football returned in 1998, as wonderkid Ronaldo blew teams Dallas Keuchel Jersey away with pace, power and ability, but Brazil could only manage second place, losing to France in a odd final 3-0, as Ronaldo reportedly had a fit the Josh Reddick Jersey night before the match and looked distant throughout the match.Ronaldo returned in Japan/Korea 2002 along with Ronaldinho and Rivaldo to show the world that they can still win in style, and Ronaldo was named player of the tournament and top scored with 7 goals, proving himself to be the finest player in the world despite a horrific knee injury that could have ended his career.Ronaldo celebrates Brazils 2002 victoryGermany 2006 proved to be a disappointment however, as Brazil were knocked out by France in the quarter-finals, they never really got going, despite having a front 4 boasting Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Adriano and Kaka, with wonderkid Robinho in reserve,With these five titles, as well as the style most of them were won with, nobody can doubt Brazils place at the summit of world football, with so many greats of the game through the years throughout all their teams. |
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