Brazil claimed symbolic revenge for the Maracanazo by defeating Uruguay in the 1989 Copa America final at the Maracana, Romario heading in the only goal, but the memory of the 1950 match refuses to fade.
Next year, Brazil’s players will take to the field at a Brazilian World Cup for the first time since Zizinho and his disconsolate teammates left the pitch of the Maracana more than six decades previously.
So although Brazil have since amassed five World Cups and will start as strong favorites against Uruguay today, a victory would represent only partial consolation.