Qatar: Brazil has celebrated by holding up a banner in Pele’s honour when they beat South Korea in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The squad raised the banner, which featured just one word – ‘Pele!’ – alongside a picture of the Brazil great, in the wake of their 4-1 win.
Pele had earlier sent a message to his compatriots ahead of the match. The three-time World Cup champion shared on social media that he would be watching the match from the Sao Paulo hospital where he was admitted last week.
There were grave concerns over the 82-year-old’s health when news outlets in Brazil reported that he had been moved to palliative care, as per the reports.
Em 1958, eu caminhava pelas ruas pensando em cumprir a promessa que fiz ao meu pai. Sei que hoje muitos fizeram promessas parecidas e também vão em busca da sua primeira Copa do Mundo.
Assistirei ao jogo do hospital e estarei torcendo muito por cada um de vocês. Boa sorte! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/3CRI8v6H55
— Pelé (@Pele) December 5, 2022
Pele wrote that, “In 1958, I walked the streets thinking about fulfilling the promise I made to my father. I know that today many have made similar promises and are also going in search of their first World Cup. I will watch the game from the hospital and I will be rooting for each one of you. Good luck!”
However, a note on the legend’s Instagram page stating that he was “strong” and urging for calmness came after a medical update regarding his colon cancer treatment. Prior to Monday’s game at Stadium 974, Pele recalled his 1958 World Cup debut.
In the match, Brazil took a 4-0 lead by half-time, with goals from Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta. The second half witnessed a solitary consolation goal from South Korea’s Paik Seung-ho.
South Korea was accommodating opponents, but the speed, precision and sheer enjoyment of Brazil’s display evoked memories of their best sides.
With Croatia pleased to have gone the distance once more in the knockout rounds, the victory over Japan marked the seventh straight series of penalty kicks won by the team shooting second. In recent competitions, they have emerged as one of the hardest teams to defeat.
According to the statement, Croatia will pose a completely different challenge to Brazil than South Korea. They must be ready for a battle until the last moment.