Is Brazil still the country of soccer?
SAO PAOLO: With the famous “jogo bonito”, iconic stars and a record five world championships, Brazil has long been known as “the land of football”. But is it still? The country of Pele, Garrinza and Ronaldinho, who once mesmerized the world with their ‘samba’ style, have not won the World Cup since 2002. Nor have they won the Ballon d’Or since Kaká in 2007. With the ‘Selecao’ currently struggling to book their place at the 2026 World Cup, many in Brazil and beyond are wondering why. “We are at a low point. We had more top-quality athletes,” the late Pele’s


