Ronaldinhoan asset for Brazil - Pele
Ronaldinho's experience could have a calming effect on Brazil's
youthful World Cup side if coach Dunga recalled the 30-year-old to the
squad, Pele told Reuters on Tuesday.
Three-times World Cup winner Pele said in an interview that he would
pick Ronaldinho, who turned 30 on Sunday and has played at two finals,
helping Brazil win their fifth title in 2002.
The 69-year-old also said Lionel Messi needed a well-organised
Argentina side in which to exhibit his brilliant Barcelona form, while
England and Spain would be dangerous opponents at the June 11-July 11
tournament in South Africa. Pele praised Dunga's record but was
concerned about a possible lack of World Cup experience among the
players expected to be picked for the squad.
"I think Brazil are on the right track but we have to be careful
because the majority of the players have never played at a World Cup
before, so there will be a lot of pressure and we must see how those
players handle it," Pele said.
"If Ronaldinho keeps playing as he is now ... I believe he would be a
good component because he could help when the younger players feel the
pressure."
Ronaldinho, who last played for Brazil last April, has been in good
form for AC Milan this year but despite speculation about a return to
the national team he appears out of Dunga's plans.
Brazil and fellow favourites Spain could expect tough opposition from
the likes of Argentina, despite their poor qualifying campaign.
"Even (top) teams that are not in form like Argentina, who
practically qualified in last place, we've got to respect them because
they're a country accustomed to playing the World Cup," he said.
"Another country that had not been doing well but who in this World
Cup will be a difficult country to beat is England, who can take a very
strong team (to South Africa).
"They can reach the last four."
Pele identified Messi, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Robinho of
Brazil as players with the potential to light up the World Cup.
Messi, however, might be unable to reproduce the fantastic form he is
showing at Spanish club Barcelona.
"He's a great player, he's playing marvellously at Barcelona but when
he goes to the national team he doesn't play as well," said Pele.
"That is possibly because the national team doesn't have the same
group as Barcelona.
"Then there's Cristiano Ronaldo, who's also a marvelous player, and
Robinho, who has already improved quite a bit," he added.
Robinho, who has returned to Santos on loan from Manchester City, had
a crowd-pleasing style while Brazil would also need Kaka to be in top
form. SAO PAULO, Reuters
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