Shocking Brazil: Six Games That Shook the World Cup

Brazilian soccer has become synonymous with excellence that seems to resist the usual dry spells. Supporters from every part of the globe are able to recount joyful tales about Brazil’s unmatched achievements, especially the ones related to World Cup glory. But the most crucial transformation undergone by Brazilian football were a direct result of the Selecao failures. Shocking Brazil focuses on six crucial World Cup defeats that radically altered Brazilian football and which had repercussions far beyond the sport. These games hid narratives of racism, corruption, authoritarianism, corporate power, and greed. Fernando Duarte uses anecdotes, data, and observation to show Brazilian soccer in a completely different light: one that will surprise many, and spark debate and discussion. As Brazil welcomes the world as hosts of FIFA’s 2014 World Cup, 64 years after the country first received the tournament, there hasn’t been a more appropriate time to turn on the floodlights to the secret of Brazil’s success.