30 years later, the Brazilian national team returns to the place where it touched the sky for the fourth time. In 1994, the Selecao emerged triumphant in the World Cup held in the USA, home to this year’s Copa América.
That feat certainly brings good memories for Brazilian fans every time the team sets foot in American soil. On July 17, 1994, an epic shootout win over Italy saw the Canarinha end a 24-year wait for a fourth World Cup title, sparking jubilant scenes in a packed Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
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Of course, many things have changed since then. That stadium is no longer hosting high-profile football matches, and it’s not even one of the Copa América venues this year.
But perhaps the biggest change in the last 30 years has to do with Brazil, who have failed to win the World Cup since their fifth success in 2002. The country did find success on the continental stage, winning the Copa América in 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007 and 2019.
Even so, there have also been many disappointing moments in recent years. In fact, the Verdeamarela have already visited the USA for the Copa América Centenario in 2016, but left a lot to be desired with a disappointing group stage exit.
This year finds Brazil in the stage of reconstruction, hoping Dorival Junior puts the pieces together to restore the pride in a nation that has lost faith in the national team.
It will be a very different scenario from 30 years ago, when Carlos Parreira’s men won the ultimate prize. But the 2024 Copa América in the US could be an opportunity for Brazil to start getting back on their feet.
