World Cup 2014: Why Brazil should be proud (and not just for hosting a great Cup)

Out of curiosity and a love of Latino culture- and the romantic notion of the child of the ghettos playing the game in the streets as a child and rising up to carry their nation to glory- I went in to follow the recent World Cup and found myself an overnight Football nut.

Only to see one of my favorite teams in the competition loose 7-1 to Germany in the semifinal.

Here's why I think Brazil should still be proud of their team.

First of all, think of it like this- they were without their two leaders. If the Bulls had just lost Michael Jordan to injury and Scottie Pippin was suspended, how do you think THEY would do?

And they were the greatest basketball team in history.

Well, perhaps if Brazil had a leader to give the big emotional speech they would have played a great game, but their two leaders were Neymar and Silva. And, of course, they were not there.

I saw Brazil do some amazing things before they lost their leaders. That was real.

Just my thoughts.

Of course, Brazil should be proud of putting on such a remarkable event, and of their beautiful music and culture, and how they have protected large amounts of the Amazon Rain Forest. (Keep up the good work! Soon it will be almost all protected!!!)

But they should also be proud of their 2014 semi-finalist National Football Team.

After all, the team that lost to Germany had two huge holes in it.

Anyway, have fun! That's what it's about, after all!!!

David S. Annderson