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Pele: Ronaldino to be big surprise of Brazil at World Cup

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-05 13:45
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Pele: Ronaldino to be big surprise of Brazil at World Cup
Brazilian soccer player Ronaldinho Gaucho, file photo. [Agenceis]
 

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian soccer legend Pele Tuesday singled out Ronaldinho Gaucho as the potential big surprise of the national team during this June's World Cup in South Africa.

Pele gave his remarks one week away from the official announcement of the World Cup squad.

The author of more than 1,000 goals, Pele believes that Ronaldinho Gaucho stands in front of 18-year-old Neymar on the list of potential surprises. Pele announced that Dunga, the head coach of the Brazilian national team, has more confidence in Ronaldinho than Neymar due to his level of experience.

Dunga will make his official announcement on May 11. Due to Ronaldinho' s return of solid play, Pele is confident that the midfielder will make the cut. Pele added that if the decision rested on his shoulders, he would personally choose Ronaldinho over Neymar.

Pele also revealed that Dunga has his eyes on Santos' midfielder Wesley, who scored twice in Santos'3-2 win in the first leg of the finals of the Sao Paulo state championship. Dunga has been quoted as defining Wesley as a player who has improved greatly over the last couple of months.

Despite Pele's belief that Neymar lacks the experience to play in the 2010 World Cup, he himself played in his first World Cup at the age of 17 in 1958. In one week, all hopes and speculations will be put to rest when Dunga reveals his list of players that will defend Brazil in South Africa in 2010.