No horror, no overreaction, just a wistful sigh: this was, by and large, the tone of Brazilian press reaction to the Selecao's quarterfinal defeat to Belgium.
Four years ago, Brazil's World Cup elimination at the hands of Germany prompted primal howls of grief, newspaper headlines riffing on the "shame" and "historic humiliation" of that 7-1 shellacking. But while every loss leads to an inquest in a country that defines itself as the 'pais do futebol (the country of football)', there has been precious little bloodletting after what was, by comparison, a noble defeat.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "Brazil feel the pressure and push the 7-1 generation towards retirement," read the home page of the Folha de Sao Paulo, with Fernandinho coming in for particular criticism.
"You need to dribble, but Brazilian players make the error of thinking it's the best plan even when faced with two or three markers. That's what led to Neymar diving near Toby Alderweireld, asking for a non-existent penalty," read Folha.
There was dejection in the pages of O Globo, whose front page spoke of a 'checkmate' in Kazan. "The lessons for Brazilian football and South American football are crystal clear. Brazil couldn't beat Switzerland; Argentina couldn't find a way past Iceland. Colombia and Uruguay fell the moment they faced teams with a minimum organisation."
Brazil legend Tostao wrote on Folha: "Tite has done excellent work and should continue in charge," he wrote in Folha. "Just without being deified."
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