The PSG star never looked up to speed during World Cup and coach Tite was left having to go all or nothing when deciding whether to use him
With the hype there came hope, but on the pitch there was only the reality that Brazil were just not good enough once more. Perenially among the World Cup favourites, they so often fall short of expectations and there has to be a feeling of regret at the way they exited the 2018 event in Kazan on Friday.
In 2006 their star-studded squad was left standing as Zinedine Zidane turned in a performance for the ages, but four years on their elimination to the Netherlands seemed to have been coming a mile off – especially after having struggled to see off North Korea – as Dunga’s shortcomings were laid bare.