Barcelona 4 X Santos 0

Santos fans (and Brazilians) believed that if anyone could stop Barca it was Santos.

Why? Because Santos are 1) Brazilian 2) champions of South America and 3) they had Neymar.

Surely a clash between Brazil vs. Europe could only result in a Brazilian victory.

It’s the same euphoria that consumes Brazilians during the world cup.

We are Brazilian. Europeans are overrated. It’s our birthright to win.

But Santos were given a dose of reality. The team which earlier in the year was lauded for playing “the right way”, were outclassed by Barcelona. Barcelona did to Santos what they have done to everyone else: dominate. Barcelona had 70% possession in the game and made good use of it. They exchanged passes the way only they know how. Neymar and company were no where to be found in the game. Santos looked like a third division team trying to play ball with the big boys. The 4 x 0 scoreline says it all.

Losing to this Barcelona team is not a shame. However it illustrates the fall of Brazilian football.

Although the Club World Cup isn’t highly valued in Europe, in Brazil it is. Being so, Santos’ loss was a bucket of cold water. Its not losing that matters, its how you react. This loss (the biggest in Club World Cup finals history) will change how Brazilians look at their (decaying) football. Soul searching will be done and questions will be asked. Hopefully by accepting Barcelona’s (and Europe’s) dominance, Brazil can reorganize and prepare for the next World Cup. Hopefully one day Brazilian clubs (and Brazilian football) will be good enough to be deemed the best again.

Category: CBF