Football fans around the globe had expected a tough match between Brazil and Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. Little did they expect Germany to trash Brazil in a humiliating 7-1 defeat.
The loss was Brazil’s greatest in the World Cup history.
Brazilians were burning flags in their streets and tortured faces of Brazilian supporters were all over the internet.
Despite the huge defeat, however, there are two important lessons that can be learnt from this experience.
1. There is no I, me, or myself, in any team
Many people are attributing Brazil’s defeat to the absence of their two star players, Neymar and captain Thiago Silva.
While it is always good to have individuals that you can count on in a team, it is important to remember that these individuals are not indispensable. Everyone in the team plays a part in achieving the goal.
Brazil’s loss is a result of the team not stepping up in the game. While their star players may be missing, everyone in the team has a certain responsibility to play.
In life, it is difficult to go through everything on your own. You will certainly need help from your friends, your colleagues and your family, all of whom make up your team. When one member is unavailable, the entire team has to step up and shoulder the responsibility.
Germany’s progress to the World Cup final was certainly due to the entire team effort. Argentina has Lionel Messi, Brazil has Neymar, Portugal has Ronaldo and Germany has a team. The importance of team work cannot be further emphasised in our lives.
2. Never become too comfortable in your success
Brazil, the pre-tournament favourite in the World Cup given their home ground advantage, had not lost a competitive home game since 1975. Yet the moment they let their guards down, they lost to Germany.
Similarly, in life, when you feel that you have got everything you wanted, do not take it for granted. You don’t want to be blindsided by the competition and lose what you love.
Success is a result of constant hard work. Never feel that it is enough and underestimate the competition. Even if you’re enjoying success, always cherish it and be on the lookout for potential competitors, whether in your business, school work, workplace or your life.
Brazil’s defeat meant more than just losing a game. It was a crushing upset on their home turf, with serious social and political implications. Learn from this experience and apply these learning points to your daily lives.
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