With their decisive upset of Argentina on Monday July 16th, the Brazilian soccer team won the Copa America for the 8th time, defending the title.

Here’s an article in English and one in Português about the victory.

Many have noted the absence of several top Brazilian superstars, including Ronaldinho himself. Perhaps this lack of firepower contributed to Brazil’s loss to Mexico, a team that Argentina subsequently crushed, leaving fans concerned about Brazil’s chances in the final. The Brazilian team did not, however, share the opinion that they were outmatched, and won convincingly 3-0.

Is there a disconnect between what Brazilian soccer means to the fans and what it means to the Brazilian players themselves? Ever since Brazilian players began to be ‘exported’ to Europe and elsewhere for the regular season, the national team has been the last bastion of Brazilian soccer. What does it mean that some of the biggest stars ever to play the game now seem disinterested in representing their native country in international tournaments?