Many pundits and commentators, including those in Brazil (such as @Tim_Vickery ) have for years pushed the narrative that Brazilian footballs decline is largely due to outdated tactics, and a backwards methodology or understanding of the game. A constant barrage of cheap shots at how Brazilians only ‘learn the game properly’ when they go to Europe. Not only does that dismiss the depth of Brazils football culture and history. This narrative collapses under the slightest historical scrutiny. At best, this is a case study in misdiagnosis. At worst, it’s a lazy conclusion rooted in ignorance. It is true that many in Brazil suffer from ‘mongrel complex’, a term coined by Brazilian playwright Nelson Rodrigues. A deep-seated inferiority complex, the belief that everything European, is inherently better. Perhaps, as he says, the result of a real absence of personal or historical pretexts for self-esteem. But football is not one of those areas. Brazilian football has a deep, global influence. It doesn’t suffer from a lack of legacy. For half a century (1950-1990’s) Brazil had arguably top 2 league in world football. And in that period Brazilian teams regularly beat their European counterparts. An abundance of iconic teams & talent. Some of the best we have ever seen. Garrincha’s Botafogo, Pelé’s Santos, Zico’s Flamengo, Telê’s São Paulo, Luxemburgo’s Palmeiras. When the financial disparity gap didn’t exist, Brazilian clubs footballing identity and way of playing wasn’t an issue. It was an uninterrupted supply of world-class talent that stayed in Brazil long enough to shape club identities and dominate internationally. When the financial playing field was balanced, nobody accused Brazilian football of being tactically naive. Their approach was different. NOT inferior. Brazil in fact for half a century boasted an abundance of tactical diversity, astute and innovative coaches. It just wasn’t in the ‘right European way’. And it still does. Since the 2000s, Brazilian football has been trapped in a vicious economic cycle. Clubs are financially dependent on selling their top talents to survive. A conveyor belt to Europe has drained the league of its talent. Clubs have no continuity, long term vision, squads constantly changing. In short, massive instability. Brazilian clubs are forced to reinvent themselves every 6–12 months. Tactical frameworks shift constantly because the personnel is never fixed. It’s not a lack of ideas, its a lack of resources and time. But as we’re seeing at this Club World Cup, Brazilian teams and Brazilian managers like Renato Gaucho & Filipe Luis, are capable outclassing their European counterparts. The myth of tactical backwardness is an easy scapegoat, ignoring decades of evidence. When Brazilian clubs had financial muscle and player retention, they shaped world football. Brazilian football historically isn’t less developed, or worse tactically. It just doesn’t have the conditions to let it thrive.