How the mighty Brazil grew to become a laughing inventory: Vinicius Jr has not delivered and there is a motive they need Carlo Ancelotti, writes TOM COLLOMOSSE

As if being thrashed by their greatest rivals were not painful enough, Brazil had to stand and watch as world football’s biggest wind-up merchant rubbed salt into the wound.

With Argentina 4-1 ahead and little time left in the game, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez decided to juggle the ball inside his own box. It put the tin lid on a night of utter humiliation for the five-times world champions.

‘A Fiasco For Eternity’ howled the website of television broadcaster Globo, before adding: ‘Argentina’s goal-fest shows the abyss between the teams.’ Brazil coach Dorival Junior was under pressure before this clash and it would be no surprise if he were sacked before the next round of internationals in June.

There is no rivalry in world football like this. While the losers mourn, the victors trash talk like a provocative heavyweight boxer. Brazil star Raphinha made the mistake of doing so before the game and Argentina did not let him forget it, with players chanting mockingly about the ‘death’ of Brazil.

First, the good news: barring something remarkable, Brazil will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. There will be an unprecedented 48 teams at the Finals, meaning six South American countries will qualify automatically. Fourth-placed Brazil are six points clear of Venezuela in seventh, with four rounds remaining.

Yet that cannot mask the fundamental issues that see Brazil limping towards a tournament they have not won since 2002. Apart from the ‘Mineirazo’ — the 7-1 thrashing by Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup on home soil — Brazil have not even been beyond the quarter-finals since they last lifted the trophy. 

Brazil suffered the shame of losing 4-1 to their most bitter rivals, world champions Argentina

It is the latest blow to the credibility of Brazil’s claim to be one of world’s football powerhouses

Emiliano Martinez, football’s biggest wind-up merchant, particularly enjoyed the result

They were unlucky in losing last-eight ties against Belgium and Croatia in 2018 and 2022 respectively, yet the great Brazil sides of the past would have swept those opponents aside.

When Brazil have been at their best, their superstar has delivered. There was Pele in 1958 and 1970, Garrincha in 1962, Romario in 1994 and Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho in 2002. Now Neymar is on the wane, that man was supposed to be Vinicius Junior, but the Real Madrid forward has not delivered for his country as he does for his club. In 39 internationals, he has six goals and six assists.

Despite his pre-Argentina mishap, Raphinha is a little better, with 11 goals and seven assists in 33 games — though Neymar’s 79 goals and 59 assists in 128 caps is a level neither has come close to.

Brazil’s slump cannot be blamed only on their attackers. There is a reason the Brazilian FA have been keen to hire Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti — even though the Italian, who has never worked in international football, would be their first non-Brazilian coach.

Take a look at recent finals of Copa Libertadores, South America’s answer to the Champions League, to understand the difference between football on the two continents. At times, the latter feels like a different sport.

Football in Europe sets the standard for the rest of the world and Dorival has never worked there as a player or a coach. You have to go all the way back to Luiz Felipe Scolari to find a Brazil coach who has operated in Europe and while he had some good results with Portugal, he lasted only seven months at Chelsea. While Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has never held a senior post in Europe, he was on the staff at Sevilla and had also played in Europe.

Not only does Ancelotti bring the best from Vinicius, he is a master at ensuring top-class players fulfil their potential, and making just the right number of tweaks to keep strong teams successful and hungry. The coach can only do so much, though.

Brazil lack outstanding midfielders with extensive Champions League experience. Wolves and Newcastle provided their midfield duo against Argentina, with Andre one of three Wolves players in the squad along with Matheus Cunha. It is no surprise that Alexis Mac Allister, of Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul controlled the middle.

In 39 internationals, Brazil’s superstar Vinicius Junior has managed six goals and six assists

The Real Madrid forward has struggled to step into Neymar Jr’s shoes as was predicted

Brazil’s head coach Dorival Junior has no experience either coaching or playing in Europe

It seems ridiculous to suggest Brazil are short of options, yet it is worth looking closer. In 2002, there were only 11 non-Brazilian players in the country’s top flight. This season, according to website Transfermarkt, there are 139 — more than 20 per cent of the league.

Then there is the young talent. Brazil prosper at age-group level, winning the last two editions of the South American Under 20 Championship, so why not at senior level? 

Too often the best Brazilians move to Europe when very young, tempted by Champions League football and the wealth that comes with it. Many then bounce between Under 21 sides and loans, their careers drifting.

This is still Brazil, though, and they should take heart from 2002. After struggling through qualifying, and with similar pressure on Scolari, they were the class of the field in Japan and South Korea and deservedly won the trophy.

It would be a fool who wrote them off, especially now they have revenge on their minds. Even better if they can put a decent coach in place. 

How Brazil would love to turn the tables on Martinez and his pals.