News from the worsening state of health of the legendary player creates a singular atmosphere in Qatar, while Brazil qualified for the semi-finals, beating South Korea (4-1) .
by Eric Collier (Doha, Special Envoy)
An amazing spectacle enlightened Doha’s night on Saturday December 3, when a constellation of illuminated drones formed the contours of a jersey with a name and a number, Pelé, 10, followed by a message to the Be careful of the most famous footballer in history, “Pelé, Get Well Soon”, Pelé, healed quickly – he has cancer. On the cornice, a giant light panel posted in big letters “We Love You” above a stylized representation of the winner of three World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970). A single record.
The “king” Pelé is not dead, long live the king. Since the news of the worsening of his state of health has reached Doha, his name and his legend have been enveloping the atmosphere of the competition. “In Brazil, we have Ayrton Senna and Pelé,” recalls Rafael, a thirty-something Sao Paulo just arrived in Doha with three friends, a few hours before the meeting between Brazil and South Korea (4-1), Monday 5 december. He does not know anything specific about the state of the old hero, 82, he hesitates like his compatriots between the most reassuring news (“TV says that he is better”) and the most disturbing (“his body does not answer Not at chemotherapy, it was placed in palliative care “). But he is “sure” of one thing: “Football remains a source of joy for him”. Also, to lead him to healing, what could be better, he pleads, that a sixth title of world champion “as a tribute”?
If he was more believing, he would follow the recommendations of César Sampaio, the deputy coach of the Seleçao: “The only thing you can do, whatever your religion, that is to say a prayer, and send Positive waves, “he said to Brazilians. Michelle, a forty -something man who has made the trip from Hawaii, hardly shows herself willing to pray “for that”, but she wants “God to help to hold until the end of the World Cup to assist At the victory of Brazil “.
” This match is for him “
No prayer for Michelle, which is also quite critical of the old man. “With the power that was his, he should have done more for the black community or for the poor.” But a pagan rite, very willingly: goes for “the esquenta” (the heating in French). Before each match, Brazilian fans used to find themselves north of Doha for a long leg session. For 100 rials (26 euros), they access Park 900, an esplanade surrounded by kiosks offering all kinds of foods and drinks. On Monday, the first arrived hours before the kick-off of southern Brazil-Kraid, disputed at some metro stations from there. It must be said that the place is welcoming, the alcohol is served there at will – the police ensure that no one leaves the place with a glass still full of beer.
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