During Brazil's 5-0 hammering of South Africa in Johannesburg in an international friendly on Wednesday, more than just a footballing spectacle was on show.
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Sure, Neymar's hat-trick—the Barcelona star has hit 30 goals in just 47 caps—inspired the Selecao to a resounding victory over the hosts. And the Samba stars even hit the headlines after the match for all the right PR reasons when they elected to pose and celebrate a young pitch invader, as reported by the Daily Mail.
But this prestige friendly was also the meeting between the most recent World Cup host and the current incumbent, played at Soccer City, the venue of the 2010 final, where Spain beat the Netherlands to win their first-ever World Cup.
It was a passing of the baton—well, of sorts.
In an ideal world, from both FIFA's perspective and surely the Brazilian Football Association's, Brazil's resounding victory would also have represented an analogous reflection of the upcoming World Cup in relation to 2010's, with Brazilian excellence, preparation and execution not just limited to a five-star performance on the pitch.
In an ideal world, the joy and happiness we saw on the faces of the Brazilian team when they celebrated their victory (and the young pitch invader) would not only be repeated as they take to the stage to win their sixth World Cup on home soil in July, but for generations to come as they soak in the legacy of the "best World Cup ever."
And in an ideal world, the sense of satisfaction in the Brazilian fans at Soccer City and watching on television at home would precede a sense of immense pride to be realized this summer while they watched a spectacle unfold at home, before they bid farewell to the hordes of tourists who will have created an economic boon for them to enjoy.
But where do things stand right now in the host nation? As we discuss below, things are not quite as rosy as they should be. Let's look at how Brazil is faring, from different angles.
Source : Bleacherreport.com
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