BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil: Brazil rode a wave of emotion, patriotism and prayer to reach theWorld Cup semifinals but Tuesday was the day when the weight of expectation caught up with them.
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari tried to explain their 7-1 defeat by Germany in purely footballing terms, saying their opponents played superbly and took their chances against a Brazil side that played poorly.
But that is only half the story. In truth, the Brazilians lost the match in their heads as much as on the pitch.................Details