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.