Brazil advanced to the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals last night after defeating South Korea 4-1. The team dedicated the victory to ailing football legend Pelé, who remains hospitalized in Sao Paulo.
The 82-year-old, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is battling colon cancer, and not only did the players pay tribute to him, but fans also displayed a number of banners emblazoned with best wishes during the game at the stadium 974.
Pelé led Brazil to a trio of World Cup titles in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He remains Brazil’s leading goal scorer with 77 goals in 92 games.
Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison, and Lucas Paqueta scored in the first half for the Samba Boys to put the game to bed before Seung- Ho Paik’s stunning second-half consolation for the Koreans.
After the game, Brazil forward Neymar Jr told the press that he hoped Pelé would recover quickly.
“It’s hard to talk about what Pele is going through right now, but I wish him all the best; I hope he will be back in good health as soon as possible, and that we could have at least comforted him with the victory,” he said.
Another player, Vinicius Jr, said that the win was dedicated to the legend and wished him well.
“He needs a lot of strength from us, and this victory is for him, so that he can come out of this situation and that we can be champions for him,” said Vinicius junior.
Last night’s game also saw Brazilian coach Tite replace Alisson Becker with Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton in the 80th minute, making Brazil the first team in World Cup history to use all of its 26 squad members in a single tournament.
On Friday, Brazil will face 2018 World Cup losing finalists, Croatia, in the quarterfinals as they seek to win the trophy for the first time in 20 years.
