Part 5/7:
Given their rigorous run-up and the level of competition, expectations for Botafogo must be tempered. Any contribution or success in the World Cup, aside from an early elimination, would be considered a remarkable achievement. The club is facing a physical herculean task that requires resilience and grit. Regardless of the outcome, the narrative surrounding Botafogo continues to grapple with a long-standing reputation for unfavorability in crucial moments, bolstering the infamous “Botafogo’s luck” jokes circulated among football circles.