• International football

Pele calls for fans to back Brazil

ESPN staff
June 12, 2013
Pele is keen for fans to get behind the nation © PA Photos
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Brazil legend Pele has urged supporters to get behind their home nation during the upcoming Confederations Cup.

The 2013 Confederations Cup gets under way on Saturday with Brazil taking on Japan, a year prior to the South American country hosting the World Cup.

Brazil's supporters, having enjoyed their side's five World Cup successes, have a reputation for demanding the best, and they were recently critical during a 2-2 draw with England.

But Pele, speaking at a promotional event in Sao Paulo, is keen for the fans to get behind their nation. He said: "This is a team that is under construction, this is a 15-day tournament, so let's not boo them.

"Let's support the players, even if things don't work out because this is us preparing for the World Cup."

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Brazil will now travel to Brasilia for their meeting with Japan by airplane, due to protests against the local government disrupting the route by bus.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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