“What I always say is that only three people have ever been able to silence the Maracana: the Pope, Frank Sinatra and me” said Alcides Ghiggia, the Uruguayan hero whose surprise goal put paid to Brazilian dream of winning first world cup in 1950 in front of adoring home fans. Sixty five minutes into the memorable final of the world cup fancied Brazil was well on its way as expected when striker Friaca put them ahead. A record of 175,850 football worshipping fans squeezed in the giant Maracana stadium. A Selecao looked invincible to that point bulldogging Sweden 7-1 and Spain 6-1. Only a draw in the final was more than enough. But the dream started getting dashed when Juan Schlaffino equalized only a minute after conceding the lead. Then Alcides Ghigglas goal created history.

\Brazil and the rest of the football never even harbored any dream that Uruguay would turn the table in such a dramatic manner. Everyone was so sure of Brazilian victory that even the then FIFA President Jules Rimet had prepared congratulatory speech to Brazil before the match. Stunned by the turn of event he handed over the trophy and shell shocked Brazilians walked home in silence. Maracana stadium witnessed one of the major upset in the World Cup history. Brazilians still remember that sad episode with sheer horror.

Sixty-four years have gone by, World Cup soccer has returned to the land of Joga Bonita. Brazil in between won the cup 5 times. Football has become a unique religion for the Brazilians. Pele, Tosatao, Vava, Didi, Garincha, Zico, Romareo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivelino ruled the world and became household names. The Brazilian team of 2014 is again among the favorites. But again the final will be played in the same Maracana stadium. If Brazil manage to go through to the final and if one of their South American Neighbors –Argentina or Uruguay also reach there, will the memory of 1950 Maracana haunt them?

There is no other country in the world that captures and endures the carefree spirit of football as Brazil. From the joyful youths playing on the streets of Rio to the professionals playing at Giant Maracana Stadium, the nation’s passion for “The beautiful game- Jago Bonita” transcends its social cultural and generational barrier. This is one nation which really dreams, eats, drinks football. Nothing but the championship is considered success for them.

Brazil has billions of followings all over the world. The fluid style of dynamic football made Brazil favorites in every World Cup, the only team to appear in all world cup, the only team to win it 5 times including making the Jules Rimet Trophy their own being the first team to win it three times. This time at own soil, known surroundings Selcaos are on a Hexa Mission.

With less than a month to go, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, featuring 16 of the players in the winning Confederations Cup squad last year.

His list contained no major surprises, although AC Milan forward Robinho (92 caps) missed the cut along with former world players of the year Ronaldinho (97 caps) and Kaka (87 caps). Liverpool midfielders Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva, Sao Paulo's on-loan Corinthians forward Alexandre Pato and Paris St Germain winger Lucas Moura were also overlooked. Scolari has chosen Chelsea quartet David Luiz, Ramires, Willian and Oscar, along with Manchester City's Fernandinho and Tottenham's Paulinho.

Scolari's squad will instead be led by 22-year-old Barcelona striker Neymar, the player carrying most of the fans' hopes.

"We know that not everybody will agree with all the names, it's normal," Scolari said.

"But now that we have the 23 players, we would like to ask that our fans support all of them so together we can focus on our goal of winning the World Cup."

Scolari has already said that the starting goalkeeper will be Cesar, who is playing for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. A mix of veterans and newcomers playing for clubs across Europe, Scolari has insisted that any lack of international experience will not hinder Brazil's performance.

"Our players have been gaining experience in their leagues in Europe and I don't think they will be affected by this too much, although in certain World Cup situations, having that experience would be important." I fully trust these players."

Brazil's World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro).

Defenders: David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Henrique (Napoli), Maicon (Roma), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain).

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Paulinho (Tottenham), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan).

Strikers: Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Fred (Fluminense).

This is the first time in several world cup Brazil does not have a player of world cup winning experience. Few including great Pele did not like Scolari ignoring likes of Robinho and Kaka. He is particularly critical of relying heavily on Neymar. According to Pele, Neymar is too soft to lead Brazilian hopes. But Neymar enjoys full confidence of the coach. Majority of the team have wide experience of playing in European League. Scolari retained the nucleus of the side that so brilliantly won the Confederation cup.

Brazil is in group A along with Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon. Many feel that the home team is advantaged with a relatively easier group to advance without getting stressed to the group of sixteen. But the relatively less experienced Brazil team must not be complacent and start playing their usual classic brand of attacking football right from the very first game against Croatia to make a strong announcement of their mission. 

The second round will be test of skills and temperament for Selecaos as it has to play against either Spain or Chile/ the Netherlands. If Brazil meets Spain that will be tragedy as one of the top favorites of World Cup 2014 will have to bid bye at this stage. If Brazil advances to quarter finals it may have to encounter either Italy or Uruguay. Brazil would to avoid Uruguay as this will bring into memory of Maracana horror of 1950. Many will be nervous for that. One hopes that Brazil and Spain from one segment and Argentina and Germany from the other segment makes the elite group of semifinalists. There can be several permutations and combinations for it. Many will pray for a dream all South American final at Maracana between Argentina and Brazil. But it will be a great advertisement of wonderful soccer if Argentina or Brazil plays against Germany or Spain in the finals. These are all academic guess only. Reality may be so different.

BDST: 1007 HRS, MAY 14, 2014