Former Brazilian Champions Urge Football to Be Reformulated

07/09/2014 - 10h03

Germany's humiliating thrashing of Brazil may (or should) be the starting point for Brazilian football to be reevaluated, according to former Brazilian World champions.

"We must be humble and we must stop and reflect on Brazilian football, not only on the pitch but off it as well", former defensive midfielder Wilson Piazza has said, a 1970 World Cup Champion.

"It is time to think of a reformulation of our football. It seems an easy conclusion to take after such defeat, but it is the truth", the defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva wrote on his twitter account, a 2002 World Champion also under Luiz Felipe Scolari's command.

Former defender Edinho, who played three World Cups (1978, 1982 and 1986) said that the defeat was not only a result of the match.

"Things have had to change for a long time. Football isn't just about being a gang, it is not only about having a close knit group. Football is also about football."

In the player's opinion, the result was "an utter tragedy, with people acting desperate on and off the pitch". "I don't see any change possible in the short run. The very structure of Brazilian football needs to go through deep changes."

Former Brazilian forward, Pepe, twice world Champion in 1958 and 1962 said the defeat should be attributed to the whole team. "Everyone is to blame. The coaching staff and the players", he concluded.

Former goalkeeper Waldir Peres, who was in Brazil's goal in the 1982 World Cup said that "there will be high demand for changes". "We need to change what ought to be changed in our football. We need to find our style again", the former player said.

Former manager Valdir Espinosa, World Champion for clubs, such as Grêmio in 1983, reckons it is useless to look for one person to take the blame.

"We must face problems head on in order for things to improve. Brazil's defeat did not happen today. Brazil's national team is a reflection of Brazilian football and Brazilian football has been in tatters for a long time."

Brazil's biggest Champion with three world titles, Pelé opted to congratulate Germany and said Brazil will reach out for its sixth title in Russia in 2018. "I always say that football is full of surprises. Nobody on earth expected this result."

Translated by CRISTIANE COSTA LIMA

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