(CNN) -- Thiago Silva knows his history -- it's a good job too given it's very much weighing on his shoulders. Brazil's iconic Maracana Stadium may have been given a $500 million upgrade, but beneath the new shiny exterior, the scars of pain and anguish are still raw for many Brazilians. But next year Brazil has a chance to exorcize those demons as the South American country hosts the World Cup for the first time since 1950. Then football's greatest show ended in tears and failure after a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay in the final match of the tournament crushed any illusion of supremacy and left a proud country nursing a pain which still runs deep to this very day.
@highlight
Brazil will host the World Cup next year for the first time since 1950
@highlight
Captain Thiago Silva desperate to win competition on home soil after 64 years of hurt
@highlight
Silva pleads for critics of Neymar to go easy on the talented young forward
@highlight
Ronaldinho and Kaka could still feature in next year's tournament
Brazilians
"It's a unique experience in my life, to represent thousands of @placeholder across the world.
Brazil
Brazil
Brazil
One man who could prove intrinsic to @placeholder's success is the precociously talented Neymar -- largely considered to be one of world football's hottest properties.
Brazil
Brazil
Brazil
"@placeholder's team is like that, it's filled with opportunities and players of great quality.