BBC News | 2006 WORLD CUP DECISION | Brazil's campaign team

Zico is Brazil's campaign leader

Brazil had a plethora of stars on whom they can call to boost their bid - but one name in particular did not come out in support of the campaign.

And when that one man is Pele people were always bound to sit up and take notice.

Pele had said that he feels the money put into the bid would have been better spent on alleviating poverty in his country.

Nevertheless, another legend in the shape of Zico had been heading Brazil's bid.

Zico scored 48 goals in 71 internationals for his country, but famously missed a penalty minutes after coming on as a substitute against France in the 1986 World Cup finals.

Ronaldo wheels away after scoring

Ronaldo has been doing his bit for the bid

Brazil eventually lost the game in a penalty shoot-out.

Carlos Alberto, the captain of Brazil's legendary World Cup winners in 1970 was also involved, as was Dunga who captained Brazil when they won the World Cup in 1994.

And former World Footballer of the Year Ronaldo was on hand when Brazil first put their bid to Fifa.

But Pele's absence ultimately probed decisive as the bid was pulled before voting even began.


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