Brazil’s tragedy: Mineiraço will haunt emotional World Cup hosts for years to come

Brazil: “Vamo, vamo, vamo,” David Luiz hollered in the tunnel. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go. Brazil’s newest cult hero and temporary captain then stood in silence for a few seconds, steely-eyed, gazing out onto the pitch. A deep breath or two and then the roar.

Luiz led Brazil out onto the pitch in that familiar funeral procession. No one knew just how appropriate that slow walk would prove. As the anthem started, he raised a shirt high above his head. ‘Neymar 10’, it read. Brazil’s fallen hero, remembered as if he had passed away.