Pray when they win, pray when they lose €“ Brazil's faith despite crushing defeat

Despite an absolutely devastating loss at the hands of the German side last night, Brazil's David Luiz and Luis Gustavo dropped to their knees to pray as the final whistle blew.

After goalkeeper Júlio César conceded a humiliating 7 goals, helped along by some downright terrible defending from Luiz, Brazil's squad have become a national – even international – joke.

But Luiz, who is a devout Christian and is famous for praising God on the pitch, immediately fell to the ground and prayed in a stunning display of faith in defeat, joined by his teammate Gustavo.

The moment did not go unnoticed on Twitter.

"My faith in Jesus gives me strength to keep on going out onto the field and to do my best, but I also want to inspire others - that is what God inspires me to do," Luiz has said previously.

"For me, true life is found in the relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe that everything in life belongs to God and he has a clear plan for us if we follow him."

He was less positive last night, however, giving a post-match interview in which he begged the forgiveness of his country.

"Apologies to everybody, apologies to all the Brazilian people. I just wanted to see my people smile," he said tearfully.

"We all know how important it was for me to see all of Brazil be happy, at least because of football. They were better than us. They prepared better. They played better.

"It's a very sad day but it's also a day from which to learn."

However, though Christians have been keen to praise Luiz and his faithful teammates for their trust in the Divine, some have suggested that it just might not be enough.

related articles
The World Cup by Numbers: A Bluffer's Guide (to help with your evangelism)

The World Cup by Numbers: A Bluffer's Guide (to help with your evangelism)

11 World Cup stars who are also Christians...

11 World Cup stars who are also Christians...

USA star keeper Tim Howard: \'All praise be to God\'
USA star keeper Tim Howard: 'All praise be to God'

USA star keeper Tim Howard: 'All praise be to God'

\'Tim Howard saves\' trends after record-breaking 24 World Cup saves; Goalkeeper says Christ is most important in his life
'Tim Howard saves' trends after record-breaking 24 World Cup saves; Goalkeeper says Christ is most important in his life

'Tim Howard saves' trends after record-breaking 24 World Cup saves; Goalkeeper says Christ is most important in his life

Brazil 2014: 10 amazing God moments of the World Cup

Brazil 2014: 10 amazing God moments of the World Cup

News
Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK
Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK

An evangelical church leader has welcomed national polling pointing to a more open spiritual landscape in the UK, as churches prepare for a nationwide mission effort in the run-up to Easter 2026.

CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya
CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya

Additions to the Church's calendar are rare.

Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings
Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings

Church of England's Living in Love and Faith process is to formally conclude in July.

On miracles
On miracles

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on the meaning of a miracle.