Goal Russia tells the fascinating tale of Mario Fernandes, the Brazilian right-back who has been instrumental in the host nation's success this summer
When you’re a young footballer who has just signed his first contract with a club, it is very easy to give in to temptations: nightclubs, girls, drugs and a disregard for everyone around you. For Brazilian players, this can even happen later in their careers. Cicinho, Adriano and other Brazilian stars are a testament to this. Even the magical Ronaldinho was suckered in by the parties, and his mana quickly ran out.
But when we look at CSKA and Russia wing-back Mario Fernandes, one of the best in his position at the World Cup, it seems like he must have been a dependable and focused footballer right from his first day at the academy.