Brazil knocked out by Peru in group stages

Brazil's problems are far deeper than an early exit at Copa América

Dunga’s team are out after an awful refereeing decision. But they have failed to recover from that infamous defeat to Germany - and may not make the next World Cup

Forget about the searing injustice. Try, if you can, to eradicate the memory of one of the worst refereeing displays ever seen in a major tournament.

Yes, the hapless Uruguayan referee, Andres Cunha, dropped an almighty blunder by allowing Raúl Ruidíaz’s winning goal for Peru on Sunday night despite a clear handball. This result – and the repercussions which will be long, arduous and potentially leave people searching for new jobs following Brazil’s shock exit from the Copa América Centenario – was, however, about more than just a bad call.

It’s a story of the kings of soccer, the five time world champions, the purveyors ofo jogo bonito taking a two-year journey to skid row. It’s a story of a vibrant, fascinating, culturally rich country tearing itself apart in the midst of a debilitating economic and political crisis. A story of fans sick of the incompetence of CBF, Brazil’s governing body, bringing shame to proud people who deserve much better.

Sunday’s result was greeted with shrugs back home. On the whole, people have been more interested in domestic action: apathy and disillusionment concerning the national team have seeped in ever since Germany delivered that astonishing 7-1 beating in the World Cup semi-final two years ago. The Selecao, once seen as the team of the people, a vestige of hope for those who live with nothing, had betrayed a nation, and there is a worrying disconnect manifesting itself right now. Many in Brazil question the billions of dollars spent on staging a World Cup and Olympic Games when millions remain, and continue to live, in abject poverty.

The former CBF head Jose Maria Marin was indicted with nine others last May in conjunction with the FBI crackdown on Fifa corruption. A few months later his replacement, Marco Polo Del Nero, also received a knock on his door. It is, perhaps, little surprise that Brazil have failed again in a major tournament when men such as these are in charge of leading the team’s recovery, and two years on from that incredible, unforgettable night against Germany, there are scant signs of improvement. The defeat to Peru was just another kick to a team already sprawling on the turf.

On Sunday the Brazil coach, Dunga, looked forlorn on the sidelines. In his second spell as national team manager, his days are surely numbered. Indeed, if it wasn’t for this summer’s Rio Olympics, his seat would surely already be vacant. The man who lifted the World Cup in 1994 – in the US incidentally ­– knows a gold medal on home soil is the priority, and that’s why Neymar was allowed a breather to hang out with Justin Bieber and other well-heeled compadres.

Clearly losing the services of the brilliant Barcelona forward was something Dunga’s side couldn’t deal with – they scored seven goals in this Copa America but they all came in one game against the tournament’s weakest side, Haiti – though for a country whose production line has long been the envy of the world, there should still have been enough talent to emerge from a group that comprised of Peru, Haiti and Ecuador.

For that Dunga, a man who doesn’t possess the character or vigour to light up a nation pleading for inspiration, must shoulder the blame. While a pre-tournament injury to Douglas Costa was unfortunate (Brazil’s injury list was at six pre-tournament), the Selecao have attempted to blood a new generation following the nadir of that 7-1 with little success.

They were lucky to escape with an opening draw with Ecuador who, thanks to yet more questionable officiating, really should have pocketed all three points. Haiti were roundly thrashed in Orlando, yet what became a glorified training session merely papered over the gaping cracks, which have widened this morning as Brazil head home, heads bowed.

The perceived negativity of Dunga, added into the myriad pressures of trying to lift the Brazilian people, all contributed to this latest, abject embarrassment. The manager did try to inject flair in place of solidity on Sunday night, opting to replace the suspended Casemiro with Lucas Lima instead of the more defensive minded Wallace. They were on top for large swathes yet still lost to an experimental, young Peru team.

In reality, this edition of the Copa, coming so soon after the last one, wasn’t the acid test for Brazil. The Olympics is the ultimate goal this year, and Neymar will be back, but with the team mainly consisting of players under the age of 23, it’s difficult to compare and contrast with what’s transpired here in the United States.

If they do well – and that is no longer a given – hope may return. Yet, soon enough, it will dissipate, the same problems will remain. The streets will teem with indignation. The chasms will grow. The anger will intensify – and worse could be around the corner with Brazil outside the qualification spots for the 2018 World Cup.

Change at the top needs to be made though the timing couldn’t be worse. The Brazilian people, and their glorious football legacy, deserve better.