FIFA World Cup: Pele backs Brazil to add sixth star on crest

Brazil great Pele backed the team to live up to their billing as World Cup favourites and capture a record-extending sixth title in Qatar, saying he has full confidence in the 26-man squad selected by head coach Tite.

Published : Nov 11, 2022 00:12 IST

File Photo:  Brazil’s Pele is hoisted on shoulders of his teammates after Brazil won the World Cup final against Italy, 4-1, in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca in 1970.
File Photo:  Brazil’s Pele is hoisted on shoulders of his teammates after Brazil won the World Cup final against Italy, 4-1, in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca in 1970. | Photo Credit: AP
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File Photo:  Brazil’s Pele is hoisted on shoulders of his teammates after Brazil won the World Cup final against Italy, 4-1, in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca in 1970. | Photo Credit: AP

Brazil great Pele backed the team to live up to their billing as World Cup favourites and capture a record-extending sixth title in Qatar, saying he has full confidence in the 26-man squad selected by head coach Tite.

Sharing his thoughts on Instagram alongside a picture of himself wearing a Brazil jersey from his playing days, the 82-year-old -- who led the team to the title in 1958, 1962 and 1970 -- said he hoped to see another star above their crest.

“The last time I wore the shirt of the Brazilian team, we inaugurated the three stars above the crest,” Pele, the only player to have won three World Cups, captioned the picture. “Now we have five. I can’t wait to add the sixth star.”

Pele, who has suffered health issues in recent years but has remained active on social media, said he was confident the team would make the nation proud.

“I’m here to give my vote of confidence to this team and wish good luck to our national team,” he said after Tite named his squad earlier this week.

Brazil’s position at the top of the world rankings and its superb unbeaten run in qualifying have made it the bookmakers’ favourites to win the title in Qatar.

Brazil will start its campaign against Serbia on November 24. It also faces Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.

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