What if Brazil had Won the 2014 World Cup?

By T. Giannella

​Have you ever stopped and wondered what if Brazil had won the 2014 World Cup? Well somethings would have needed to change. For example, if Neymar hadn't injured himself in the match against Colombia, Brazil might have won against Germany.  
During the 2024  FIFA World Cup, Neymar suffered a back injury, which led to his having to leave the tournament. You may be asking yourself, ” How did that happen?” Well, further into the match, a Colombian defender jumped on top of Neymar from behind and hit his knee on Neymar's lower back, causing serious injuries and a lot of pain. This affected Brazil very much because he was only 22 and Brazil's greatest star. So, what if he had stayed healthy and scored a goal against Germany? What if he had become a national star at only 22?
The tournament being hosted in Brazil resulted in mixed emotions and nervousness. No one in the team wanted to let down Brazilians, so if the tournament had taken place in another country, we might have had a greater chance to win. Seeing that Brazil is very passionate about football and about winning, they don't intentionally cause pressure for players, but they might have gotten that feeling.
What would have happened if the match against Germany had gone differently? If Brazil changed their strategies, if they stayed more united as a team, and if key players stepped up. Would we win? Or at least go to penalties? Then, in penalties, Julio Ceasar, Brazil's goalkeeper, would save every ball. Neymar would score a goal as well as Oscar Emboaba, who actually scored a goal.  
That would allow Brazil to compete against Argentina in the finals at the Maracana Stadium. Neymar would go face-to-face with Messi, and this could cause tension in South America, divided families and friends, streets packed with fans and discussions about whether or not Brazil will win, and again the pressure of hosting the tournament and being at the finals.
Although this cannot happen, many fans still stop and wonder, what if? ​