Fifa World Cup 2014 Brazil

Yet as this year's Copa campaign unfolded, Brazil demonstrated that it might have finally cast off the longstanding criticisms of "Neymar-dependency."

Brazil's media has directed sharp criticism at the national football team after their 1-2 quarter-final defeat against Belgium at Kazan Arena on Friday, a result that dumped the five-time champions out of the mega event.

On paper, a Belgium side containing the talents of Chelsea's Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku have the potential to cause a World Cup upset.

It's not the first time Capello has singled out Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar for criticism, saying in 2014 that he had "a very annoying attitude" and "falls to the ground every time you touch him".

The Red Devils opened their account in Russia with a 3-0 win over Panama on Monday, when Romelu Lukaku netted twice, but Hazard was tightly marked and occasionally clattered by the Central American opponents.

Russia host the 2018 edition of football's flagship event.

The Koreans crashed out in the first round of the 2014 tournament in Brazil and have their work cut out to avoid the same fate in Russia, where they have been drawn alongside holders Germany, Sweden and Mexico.

Two-time champions Argentina reached the final in Brazil in 2014, losing to Germany 1-0 after extra time.

Neuer, Germany's captain and goalkeeper, has not played since September and still has to prove his fitness at a fortnight-long training camp.

The purse at the previous edition in Brazil was USD 358 million.

Among the building or renovation projects involved were some on Rio de Janeiro's fabled Maracana Stadium and the Arena Pernambuco in Recife

Miroslav Klose netted his 16th goal in FIFA World Cup finals during the 7-1 semi-final thrashing of hosts Brazil in 2014, which saw him overtake former Brazil star Ronaldo

Starting from 2013 Confederations Cup, Brazil hosted several mega events finishing with 2016 Paralympics, which ended on Sunday

A ruthless Germany dumped hosts Brazil out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in a humiliating fashion, beating them 7-1 in the semi-finals

Some 50,000 spectators are expected at Olympic Games 2016 while more than 3 billion people tune in around the world as Brazil host their second major sporting event in two years, after the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Yet as this year's Copa campaign unfolded, Brazil demonstrated that it might have finally cast off the longstanding criticisms of "Neymar-dependency."

Brazil's media has directed sharp criticism at the national football team after their 1-2 quarter-final defeat against Belgium at Kazan Arena on Friday, a result that dumped the five-time champions out of the mega event.

On paper, a Belgium side containing the talents of Chelsea's Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku have the potential to cause a World Cup upset.

It's not the first time Capello has singled out Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar for criticism, saying in 2014 that he had "a very annoying attitude" and "falls to the ground every time you touch him".

The Red Devils opened their account in Russia with a 3-0 win over Panama on Monday, when Romelu Lukaku netted twice, but Hazard was tightly marked and occasionally clattered by the Central American opponents.

Russia host the 2018 edition of football's flagship event.

The Koreans crashed out in the first round of the 2014 tournament in Brazil and have their work cut out to avoid the same fate in Russia, where they have been drawn alongside holders Germany, Sweden and Mexico.

Two-time champions Argentina reached the final in Brazil in 2014, losing to Germany 1-0 after extra time.

Neuer, Germany's captain and goalkeeper, has not played since September and still has to prove his fitness at a fortnight-long training camp.

The purse at the previous edition in Brazil was USD 358 million.

Among the building or renovation projects involved were some on Rio de Janeiro's fabled Maracana Stadium and the Arena Pernambuco in Recife

Miroslav Klose netted his 16th goal in FIFA World Cup finals during the 7-1 semi-final thrashing of hosts Brazil in 2014, which saw him overtake former Brazil star Ronaldo

Starting from 2013 Confederations Cup, Brazil hosted several mega events finishing with 2016 Paralympics, which ended on Sunday

A ruthless Germany dumped hosts Brazil out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in a humiliating fashion, beating them 7-1 in the semi-finals

Some 50,000 spectators are expected at Olympic Games 2016 while more than 3 billion people tune in around the world as Brazil host their second major sporting event in two years, after the 2014 FIFA World Cup