SPORT > PELE EXCLUSIVE: Fantastic football so far

O Rei Pele is a man who needs no introduction. FIFA’s universally accepted choice as the greatest player of the 20th century, Pele makes headlines wherever he goes. The media hang on his every word, particularly when the great man offers his view on a topic as weighty as the FIFA World Cup™.

The Brazilian legend is well aware of the impact his words have, as he made clear to FIFAworldcup.com. “I’m not afraid of speaking my mind. A few World Cups ago, I said that Colombia were playing very well, and that they could end up doing better than Brazil and Argentina. Even though they did play well in their first two games, they went out in the first round, and plenty of people took pleasure in the fact that I got it wrong.

“Before this particular tournament, nobody even mentioned Ecuador. People were only talking about Brazil and Argentina and I said that I had seen Ecuador play, that they were very good, and that they could get through the first phrase. And Ecuador are through! A lot of journalists stop making comments once things happen. That way it’s easy.”

In this exclusive interview, Pele gives a candid assessment of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and runs the rule over Brazil’s performances so far. The Canarinho legend also reveals which players and teams have caught his eye, and much more besides.

READ THE INTERVIEW HERE.