SAO PAULO - It was only friendly, but when Brazil loses 2-0 to lowly Venezuela, shock spreads through the country in a hurry.
SAO PAULO - It was only friendly, but when Brazil loses 2-0 to lowly Venezuela, shock spreads through the country in a hurry.
The local news outlets told the tale Saturday of Brazil's loss to Venezuela in Boston - the only time the world's No. 2-ranked team has lost to its neighbour. In 17 previous meetings between the sides over 39 years, the Brazilians had never even had to settle for a draw and had outscored the Venezuelans 78-4.
"Historic fiasco" read the caption under a front-page photo in Folha de S. Paulo, Brazil's largest newspaper, of Brazilian striker Adriano arguing with Venezuelan players.
The Estado de S. Paulo newspaper noted "Brazil suffers historic defeat". The UOL website called it a "Night of disaster".
That Brazil - a five-time world champion playing with heroes Robinho and Adriano - would lose, friendly or not, is tough to swallow for Brazilians, arguably the most critical soccer fans on the planet. That it would do so just 12 days before it takes on Argentina in a World Cup qualifier makes it that much worse.
"Bad, bad, bad," Marcel Lima, 23, said when asked about the match as he made sandwiches at the Uno & Due cafe in Sao Paulo. "The players showed no love for the jersey. They were far too overconfident, but I think that attitude has ended now."
Brazil manager Dunga tried to calm the waters after the Friday night match, saying there was nothing to worry about and that he would make no big changes before the qualifiers against Paraguay on June 15 and Argentina three days later. - Sapa-AP
Brazil mourns shock defeat
SAO PAULO - It was only friendly, but when Brazil loses 2-0 to lowly Venezuela, shock spreads through the country in a hurry.
SAO PAULO - It was only friendly, but when Brazil loses 2-0 to lowly Venezuela, shock spreads through the country in a hurry.
The local news outlets told the tale Saturday of Brazil's loss to Venezuela in Boston - the only time the world's No. 2-ranked team has lost to its neighbour. In 17 previous meetings between the sides over 39 years, the Brazilians had never even had to settle for a draw and had outscored the Venezuelans 78-4.
"Historic fiasco" read the caption under a front-page photo in Folha de S. Paulo, Brazil's largest newspaper, of Brazilian striker Adriano arguing with Venezuelan players.
The Estado de S. Paulo newspaper noted "Brazil suffers historic defeat". The UOL website called it a "Night of disaster".
That Brazil - a five-time world champion playing with heroes Robinho and Adriano - would lose, friendly or not, is tough to swallow for Brazilians, arguably the most critical soccer fans on the planet. That it would do so just 12 days before it takes on Argentina in a World Cup qualifier makes it that much worse.
"Bad, bad, bad," Marcel Lima, 23, said when asked about the match as he made sandwiches at the Uno & Due cafe in Sao Paulo. "The players showed no love for the jersey. They were far too overconfident, but I think that attitude has ended now."
Brazil manager Dunga tried to calm the waters after the Friday night match, saying there was nothing to worry about and that he would make no big changes before the qualifiers against Paraguay on June 15 and Argentina three days later. - Sapa-AP
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