The Controversy Surrounding Diego Costa and His Absence from the 2014 Brazil World Cup Squad

Diego Costa did play for Brazil in the 2014 World Cup, but his participation was a source of debate. Born in Brazil, Costa opted to represent Spain internationally, making his place in the 2014 World Cup squad a complex issue. His performances before and during the tournament further fueled the controversy surrounding his choice to play for Spain.

A Struggle of Identity and Nationality

Diego Costa, a player renowned for his striking abilities, had a strong season leading up to the 2014 World Cup, making him a standout candidate for the Brazilian national team. However, Costa struggled with injuries during the tournament, which affected his performance. Ultimately, Brazil's national team did not include Costa, as he was part of the Spanish team during the tournament. Other forwards like Neymar and Fred were part of the Brazilian squad instead.

A Misunderstood Dream and Disappointment

Diego Costa felt that he might guarantee a spot in the Brazilian World Cup team by securing a promise from the Brazilian national team manager, Scolari. However, Costa misjudged his ability to get this promise. No player is considered indispensable in Brazil, and Costa would not be the first to be granted an exemption from this rule. Scolari rightly refused to make any guarantee to Costa, leading Costa to decide to play for Spain, where he was assured of a place in the starting lineup.

A Blame Laid at Costa's Feet

Costa's decision to play for Spain was met with strong backlash from Brazilian fans. Unlike other Brazilians who chose to play for different national teams, such as Deco, Pepe, and Thiago Alcantara, Costa is seen by some fans as a traitor and a mercenary who tried to blackmail the national team coach. As a result, he was constantly booed during the game, a stark contrast to the support given to his former teammates.

Other Allegations and Public Sentiments

Instead of being called up to the Brazil national squad, Costa was selected for a couple of friendlies. He felt that he would not get a chance to play in the World Cup and thus rejected the offer. Various allegations were made, suggesting that Costa rejected Brazil for financial reasons and even threatened legal action. These allegations further added to the public's misunderstanding of Costa's decision, leading to a more intense scrutiny of his actions.

Costa expressed his disappointment with Brazil coach Scolari for not selecting him for the previous year's Confederations Cup squad. Deciding to play for Spain, where he was sure of a place in the starting lineup, was a significant turn of events in his career, but it was not met with favorable public opinion from the Brazilian community.

Conclusion

The 2014 World Cup narrative involving Diego Costa is a complex story of identity, injury, and public perception. It highlights the challenges that footballers often face when deciding which national team to represent. Costa's decision to play for Spain instead of Brazil remains a subject of controversy and has left a lasting impact on his career legacy.