In the long run, tonight's anguish in Brazil (losing 7-1 to Germany in the semi-finals) will turn out to be more good than bad. Brazil's self-esteem, as this blog has often noted, needs to rest on firmer foundations than sport and samba. Combined with the street protests preceding the world cup, tonight's humiliation will force Brazilians to confront everyday realities with a new vigour and candour.
