2014 Brazil Home – Neymar Jr #10 Large

The 2014 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Brazil, was one of the most emotionally intense tournaments in football history. As hosts and five-time world champions, Brazil carried enormous pressure to lift the trophy on home soil. Managed by Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Seleção adopted a pragmatic approach built on defensive solidity, physical presence, and moments of individual brilliance rather than traditional free-flowing samba football.

Brazil topped Group A, opening with a 3–1 win over Croatia, followed by a frustrating 0–0 draw with Mexico, and a convincing 4–1 victory against Cameroon. In the Round of 16, Brazil survived a dramatic encounter with Chile, advancing via penalties after a 1–1 draw in which the crossbar denied Chile at the death. The quarter-final against Colombia ended in a 2–1 victory but came at a devastating cost: Neymar Jr suffered a fractured vertebra, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament.

Without their talisman, Brazil collapsed in the semi-final, suffering a historic 7–1 defeat to Germany in Belo Horizonte — the heaviest loss in the nation’s footballing history. A subsequent 3–0 loss to the Netherlands in the third-place playoff compounded the heartbreak. Despite the traumatic ending, Brazil’s 2014 campaign remains unforgettable — a tournament that reshaped the country’s footballing identity.

The 2014 Brazil home kit, produced by Nike, was a modern classic. It featured the iconic canary yellow base, green trim, and a subtle diamond texture woven into the fabric. Clean, vibrant, and unmistakably Brazilian, the shirt became globally iconic — forever associated with Neymar’s breakout World Cup and the emotional extremes of Brazil 2014.

2. Player’s Impact – Neymar Jr

The 2014 World Cup was the tournament where Neymar Jr fully ascended to global superstardom. At just 22 years old, he entered the competition as Brazil’s primary attacking hope — and delivered with brilliance, confidence, and flair.

Neymar made 5 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist, finishing as Brazil’s top scorer and joint-third overall in the tournament. He scored twice against Croatia in the opening match, including a crucial penalty under immense pressure. Against Mexico, he was Brazil’s most dangerous outlet, repeatedly testing Guillermo Ochoa. In the decisive group match against Cameroon, Neymar struck twice again, sealing qualification and confirming his status as Brazil’s talisman.

Operating primarily as a left-sided forward with freedom to drift centrally, Neymar carried Brazil’s attack. His dribbling, creativity, and ability to draw defenders opened space for teammates like Oscar and Hulk. Beyond goals, his emotional leadership — playing with visible passion and joy — made him the heartbeat of the team.

His tournament ended tragically in the quarter-final after a brutal challenge from Juan Zúñiga left him with a fractured vertebra. Neymar’s absence was immediately felt, and Brazil’s subsequent collapse highlighted just how dependent the team had become on him. Brazil 2014 became both Neymar’s breakthrough World Cup and a painful reminder of the burden placed on young superstars.

3. Full Squad List (Brazil – 2014 World Cup, Brazil)

Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari

Goalkeepers:
Júlio César, Jefferson, Victor

Defenders:
Thiago Silva (captain), David Luiz, Dante, Henrique, Marcelo, Maxwell, Maicon, Daniel Alves

Midfielders:
Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho, Fernandinho, Ramires, Hernanes, Oscar, Willian, Lucas Leiva

Forwards:
Neymar Jr, Hulk, Fred, Bernard, Jô