Zagallo predicts Brazilian victory at home
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) — Former Brazil coach Mario Zagallo said yesterday he believed the auriverde would win a sixth World Cup when the tournament returns to his homeland after 64 years in 2014.
Zagallo, a teammate of Pele in the first Brazil side to lift the World Cup in 1958 and a winner again in 1962, was invited to draw the pots for the Oceania zone at the Rio marina ahead of the 2014 extravaganza.
He reflected on Brazil’s defeat as hosts in the 1950 final, when neighbours Uruguay stunned them at the Maracana stadium.
“I’d rather forget that one — we’re the only host country to have lost the final at home.” the 79-year-old said.
“But Brazil is going to win its sixth title this time,” insisted Zagallo, who in 1970 became the first man to win the tournament both as a player and a coach, a feat Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer emulated in 1990 in the dugout, having won in 1974 as a player.
Brazil qualify automatically for 2014 as hosts.
