The Hindu : Sport / Football : It's a lesson for the future for Brazil, says Pele

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Thursday, Jul 06, 2006

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It's a lesson for the future for Brazil, says Pele

Berlin : Brazilian legend Pele has said that Brazil's early exit from the World Cup would act as a lesson for future campaigns for the five-time champion.

"I really hope that this unexpected defeat will be a big lesson for the next World Cups," Pele told German newspaper O' Globo.

"The expectations from the whole world placed on the Brazilians were enormous. The psychological pressure, too little time to prepare physically and the lack of strategy on the pitch did not help them," said Pele, a World Cup winner in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

Though Pele refused to single out coach Carlos Parreira or any individual player he said the top players had failed to perform at crucial moments.

He, however, said despite a poor campaign, Barcelona star Ronaldinho remained the best player in the world.

Pele also recalled what he had said earlier that favourites do not win the World Cup.

"That was always my biggest fear because in 1974, the Netherlands were favourites but West Germany won. In 1982, Brazil with coach Tele Santana and a superb squad was favourite, but it was Italy which won."

"Unfortunately here in Germany, it was the same thing, but there again that may be a coincidence." — UNI

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