Pele backs Brazil to win World Cup

Soccer legend Pele said on Monday that Brazil is the favorite to win the World Cup in Russia, four years after the country's humiliation on home soil.

Five-time winner Brazil was thrashed 7-1 in the 2014 semifinals by eventual champion Germany in Rio de Janeiro, but Pele, considered one of the best players of all time, insisted that new coach Tite has formed a team ready to put his country's painful memories to rest.

"Those who are Brazilian and believe in Brazil always point to Brazil as the favorite," the 77-year-old said while attending the opening ceremony of the Rio de Janeiro league.