The decline of Brazil as a football nation

Back in the 1970's Brazil were the team everyone spoke about, Pele, Carlos Alberto are just a few names that stunned the world of international football, as they swept away everyone in there path including a 4-1 demolition of a talented Italian side to claim the 1970 world cup trophy. However as we descend upon this upcoming international break and as we look to the 2014 world is there any need to have the fear of Brazil that we used to.

Even as close as 2002 when Brazil claimed the world cup, every country had the fear of playing them and sadly, England crashed out to them 2-1. World stars were all throughout that team, but ever since then a certain 'invincibility' has been lost from one of footballs finest nations.

                                                 
A good example could be one of the all time greats Ronaldo, and the under-performing Alexandre Pato. By Patos age Ronaldo was running riot across European football and in his career helped Brazil to two world cup finals. Pato wasn't included in the squad for 2010, and had a dismal Copa America this year, and is simply not good enough for one of Brazils most promising young players.

Brazils throne at the pinnacle of international football has now been firmly taken by the glorious 'tika taka' football of the Spanish, and Germany, Holland and Argentina are all arguably overtaking the most succesful international side in football history. Neymar could perhaps be a shining light in otherwise a grim generation of players. Neymars talent is undeniable and I look forward to him arriving on the European domestic scene, but for now Brazil do not seem to be the force they once were, but in 2014 this might have all changed and they may be lifting another world cup trophy.