Rousseff doubts protests after Cup 'nightmare'

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff looks on as she visits Arena da Baixada stadium wich will host four matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, in Curitiba, Brazil on May 9, 2014. AFP
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff looks on as she visits Arena da Baixada stadium wich will host four matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, in Curitiba, Brazil on May 9, 2014. AFP

President Dilma Rousseff said she doubted that Brazil's humiliating World Cup exit would revive a mass protest that rocked the nation last year.

But Rousseff, who is seeking re-election in October, told CNN that the nature of the defeat on Tuesday -- a 7-1 hammering by Germany -- was beyond her worst nightmares.

Nevertheless, the tournament had taken place in peace and with a "great sense of joy," she told the US broadcaster.

Football, she said, "is made of victories and defeats. That’s part and parcel of the game. And being able to overcome defeat I think is the feature and hallmark of a major national team and of a great country."