Brazil fans are crying after elimination of the Selecao in the World Cup. They had so many hopes, but Brazil failed miserably. And, more depressing, to France, yet again.

Many Brazilian fans blamed the coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, for not playing more of his young reserve players once it became clear the veteran squad was producing few opportunities.

In seaside Rio de Janeiro, the gymnasium of a top Carnival samba school, where thousands of people had gathered to watch the game on giant screens, emptied within minutes of the final whistle. Many fans were tearful.

Fans thought Parreira should have used players like Robinho and Cicinho from the start.

“The only time the team played really well was against Japan with these (young) players, but no, Parreira had to go back to the old scheme,” said Aldo Santos, a doorman who watched the game on a small black-and-white TV.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva telephoned Parreira after the loss to express his condolences.

Despite the sadness, some Brazilians vowed to keep their barbecues and parties going all night.

With tears in their eyes, about 2,000 residents of Recife in northeastern Brazil danced and sang the hymn of Brazil’s fans — “I am Brazilian and I am very proud.”

Source: WCoffsite