Tayguara Ribeiro: Croatia and counterattack goal ends the most dreamed game of the Cup

Since the draw for the groups and brackets of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was held, an eventual semifinal between Brazil and Argentina was the most constant forecast among analysts and fans and in the syndicates. Perhaps a mix of favoritism by both teams and expectations for the game to take place.

Together, the two teams have seven world titles. From them came Pelé and Maradona and many other great stars. In the current squads, Messi and Neymar. Two countries with a lot of tradition and passion for football.

The semifinal would be epic. For everything they represent for world football, but also for the dreamed final that insists on not happening. A Cup decision desired by many, myself among them.

But the ranking of the 2022 tournament made it very unlikely that the Brazilian and Argentine teams would meet in the last match of the competition. Therefore, the semifinal was sung in advance.

The two teams have faced each other in Cups, but not in a match of this weight. In the first duel, in 1974, Brazil won by 2 to 1. In the 1978 tournament, Brazil and Argentina were 0 to 0. In 1982, Brazil defeated the Argentines by 3 to 1. In the last meeting, Argentina eliminated Brazil of the 1990 World Cup, in the round of 16.

In Qatar, it would be a Cup semifinal. After long years without a title, the two football powers would face each other this year. Whoever passed would be in the grand final. But we will not see this game. On the way to Croatia. And a counterattack goal.

There were barely four minutes left in the second period of overtime. Brazil was ahead. “It will go up for what”, it is possible to understand Neymar questioning after the Croatian goal.

The elimination on penalties that arrived for Brazil, almost arrived for the Argentines, who also took the tie at the very end of the game. But Messi’s team passed. Fulfilled his part for the awaited semifinal.

This is the second time that Brazil fails to comply with the “deal” of disputing a decision against the Argentine national team, in recent World Cups. At the 2014 World Cup, held here, the grouping allowed the two teams to meet in a final.

In the decision, our neighbors were there, waiting. Brazil, on the way, met Germany… Well, we don’t need to remember what happened…

After a nightmare like the Brazilian elimination, it is natural to look for the culprits or, at least, try to understand what happened, since the country was considered one of the favorites.

And much more will be said about this in the coming months. One of the points, certainly, is that there were only four minutes left. Four minutes. “Going up for what?”

After the fait accompli, it is worth looking at what remains. And I don’t see scorched earth.

Unlike other eliminations, we are facing a generation at the beginning of the cycle, not at the end. Paquetá, Vinicius Júnior, Anthony, Rodrigo and Raphinha are still young. There is a younger and very promising generation. Some 16, 17 years old. Too young for 2022, but at a good age in 2026.

We don’t know how they will be in the next Cup. Neither those who played in the Qatar tournament nor the promises that have yet to come true. But, eliminated, Brazil can only imagine scenarios with these players and prepare for the next World Cup.

And, who knows, in the USA, Mexico and Canada the national team will be able to play the so dreamed game against Argentina.