But the death of Brazil's 1982 World Cup coach has given the game an opportunity to reflect on one of its most important but least fashionable themes: it ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it.
Socrates (in the pic below) was one member of the magnificent midfield Brazil had in that World Cup. They won many hearts but failed to win the trophy.
After Santana's death Socrates recalled their exit in 1982 and wrote:
Players were in shock, some were in tears. Amid the desolation, though, Tele Santana was a picture of serenity.
"We gave it our best shot," he said. Proud of the team he had built, proud of the way they had played, he knew that only one country could win the World Cup.
If it was not to be his side, then at least they should go out with a smile as well as a tear, faithful to their principles, true representatives of their country's wonderful tradition .
Brazil's 1982 team went about their business with such style that they are still talked about with affection wherever football is played.
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