Support The Moscow Times!

Brazilian Football Legend Pele Sets Sights on 2018 World Cup in Russia

Brazilian football legend Pele has set his sights on victory in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. World Economic Forum / Flickr

Brazilian football legend Pele has set his sights on victory in the 2018 World Cup in Russia after his team crashed out of this year's tournament in Brazil following a humiliating 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany.

After Tuesday's semi-final match, which saw the German side up 5-0 within the first 29 minutes, Pele, who won the World Cup three times with Brazil before retiring in 1977, took to Twitter to congratulate Brazil's opponents but warned: "We'll get our sixth title in Russia."

Five-time world champions Brazil had not lost a competitive match on home soil for 39 years, but were left reeling after the defeat, which saw German striker Miroslav Klose surpass the all-time record for goals scored at the World Cup — 16 — after netting in the 23rd minute.

Striker Thomas Müller, midfielder Toni Kroos and substitute Andrea Shurle grabbed the other goals, before Oscar pulled one back for the Brazilians with a conciliatory goal in the 90th minute.

Argentina take on the Netherlands in the second semi-final on Wednesday, as the Dutch side look to set up a final against the Germans and become the first European team to lift the trophy in Latin America.

Russia endured a torrid time at this year's tournament in Brazil, exiting the competition at the group stages having failed to win a match in a pool that included South Korea, Algeria and Belgium.

The 2018 World Cup will see matches played in stadiums across Russia, including the capital Moscow, the Ural Mountain city of Yekaterinburg and the southern city of Volgograd.

See also:

Russian Orthodox Priest Says Football Is Gay – Because of Its Shoes

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more