One of the most famous sports journalists/critics in Brazil, a little skeptical of our team, posted a really good (although scary) text in his blog. I took the freedom to translate it and post it here. Keep in mind this is one of the most important and most knowledgeable sports journalists in the world.
From the Blog do Juca:
"I will run the risk and suggest a scenario that unfortunately I don't find it too unlikely. It sucks, but it's plausible.
This Sunday, Brazil ties with Ivory Coast.
Maybe Drogba will decide to actually play.
Portugal plays only the day after against North Korea, already knowing Brazil's match result.
The Portuguese will do anything they can to beat North Korea with a 2-goal difference.
For now, hypothetically, let's say they do. Maybe Cristiano Ronaldo will decide to actually play.
In the third, and last round of the group stage, on 6/25, Ivory Coast plays North Korea and would also do anything possible to beat them with a 2-goal difference.
It'd be a friendly match for the Koreans, since they're already eliminated by the two losses against Brazil and Portugal.
At the same time, Brazil plays Portugal.
Portugal, playing for a tie, which would get them to advance.
Still hypothetically, say the match ends in a tie.
Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast would end the group stage tied with 5 points.
Portugal and Ivory Coast would advance.
Brazil would be eliminated by goal average. Undefeated.
Coincidences: In the 1966 WC, Brazil played the third match in the group stage against Portugal and was eliminated.
It was the last WC that North Korea participated.
Spain has defensive midfielders who know how to play.
Germany has defensive midfielders who know how to play.
Argentina has defensive midfielders who know how to play.
Netherlands has defensive midfielders who know how to play.
And Brazil has defensive midfielders who don't know how to play: Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva.
Out of this WC's 32 teams, North Korea is in the lowest ranked team in the Fifa rankings: 105th.
One of the hypothesis that could avoid this tragic scenario?
Maybe the North Koreans will learn how to actuall play.
Another one?
Maybe Brazil's defensive midfielders Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo will learn how to actually play.
Or?
Maybe Kaka will decide to actually play."
