2018 World Cup: Pele optimistic Brazil will win sixth trophy in Russia

Football legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known as Pelé said on Monday that Brazil are favourites to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Brazil, five time winner of the World Cup, were thrashed 7-1 in the 2014 semi-finals by eventual champions, Germany at the Maracana Stadium.

Pele believes that the newly appointed Brazil coach, Tite has formed a team ready to put his country’s painful memories to rest.

“Those who are Brazilian and believe in Brazil always point to Brazil as the favourites,” the 77-year-old said while attending the opening ceremony of the Rio de Janeiro league.

“One of the good things that happened was the arrival of Tite, he’s making a team,” Pele added.

“In the last World Cup we had the best players in the world but the team was disorganised.”

“It seems that now we’ll have a team and a Selecao that gives us confidence.”

Pele, who won three World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, has been struggling with ill health.

“I’m fine, thank goodness, and I want to thank all those who sent me messages wishing me a good recovery from all over the world,” he said yesterday in his first public appearance.