Rousseff thanks national team for moments of joy

Despite the poor performance of Brazil squad at the World Cup, President Dilma Rousseff sent a thank you letter to the players and coaching staff today (July 13) for the “moments of joy” they gave Brazilians during the competition.

Despite the failure to get to the podium, the president said the country was able to stage the “Cup of Cups”. “We Brazilians couldn't get the crown, but we have put on the World Cup of All World Cups. Without you [players and coaching staff], this would never have been possible.”

The letter went on to say that Brazil squad and Brazilian football “are beyond any occasional results.” “What will stay deeper in our people's hearts is the moments of joy that you have given us in this World Cup and will certainly give us in future World Cups to come.”

According to the president, there's a lesson to learn from the sub-standard performance: “Each and every one of us will now draw the lessons so we can further improve on our strong football both in and out of the stadiums. That's how we'll continue our team's success story,” the president said.

Translated by Mayra Borges