Since 1950, it seemed inconceivable that there could ever be a surprise as great as that when a job lot of part-time USA footballers beat an England team studded with stars 1-0 in Belo Horizonte, on what was a bumpy pitch in a ramshackle stadium.

Brazil’s participation in the 2014 World Cup was marked by great expectation and strong national emotion. For only the second time in history, Brazil was hosting the world’s biggest football tournament — the first had been in 1950 — and the fans believed the team could win its sixth world title at home.

Whether Brazil eventually lift a sixth title or not, this tournament may ultimately be remembered for something more fundamental.

Brazil used to be synonymous with the World Cup, adored for the way they played as much as for winning more than any other team. Have they lost that magic?