Zico Says Brazil Must Stop Hiding After Embarrassing World Cup

Selecao legend, Zico, has hit out at officials in his country and says Brazil must 'stop hiding' after their embarrassing World Cup campaign.

The Selecao were one of the favourites to win the tournament on home soil but were kicked out by Germany through the historic 7-1 semi-final defeat before losing the third-place playoff to Netherlands 3-0.

The 61-year-old, who represented Brazil at three World Cups, insisted his nation must ‘stop hiding’ and rethink their talent development.

"It's time to put on the sandals of humility and start from scratch," he told German paper, Bild.

"You can't keep hiding. You have to change many things. Many things have to change.

"All I hear is that there were mistakes and that it does not matter when you lose in the semi-final against Germany, whether it's by one goal or seven. But that's not acceptable. 

"We need to rethink the training of our players. We should be working mostly with young talents." 

Brazil are still the most successful football nation after winning the World Cup five times, but failed to impress at this year’s tournament.

Particularly their attacking options, Fred and Jo, disappointed and couldn’t live up to the performances of former greats such as Bebeto and Romaria.

Do you think Brazil currently have less talents available than previous generations? Have your say in the comment section below.