As Alves lay prone on the turf in the latter stages of PSG's French Cup final win over lowly Les Herbiers, the collective gasp around the football-mad South American country could almost be heard echoing around the Stade de France.
The scene had looked set for Alves to be given one last chance to shine for his country at an international tournament as the undisputed no. 1, having previously jostled with Maicon and having even been deployed in midfield in tournaments gone by
However, fate it seems, is not without a sense of irony. A knee ligament problem has left Alves' World Cup dream in ruins, with Fagner and Danilo now left with the task of winning over a sceptical Brazilian populace.
Corinthians' Fagner has been Alves' usual back-up, but with his club career highlights having been limited to the Brazilian league, many doubt his ability to fill in for the former Barcelona star.
The other option is Manchester City's Danilo, but with the 26-year-old having made just 13 Premier League starts this season and having failed to live up to his price tag, some remain unconvinced by him as well.
Nevertheless, when major tournaments come calling, injuries and withdrawals bring opportunities, something Brazil know all too well.
Back in 1986, Brazil lost right-back Leandro after he withdrew from the squad in support of close friend Renato Gaucho, who had been dropped for indiscipline.
Leandro's absence opened the door for one Josimar to burst through and announce himself, taking advantage of an injury to Edson and become an overnight sensation.
Josimar's combination of pace, athleticism and goal threat, demonstrated by two wonderful efforts against Northern Ireland and Poland, propelled him to global stardom.
In the end, Josimar's time at the top didn't last long, but his zero-to-hero tale is an example of just what the World Cup can do.