Pele backs Brazil to rise above all problems and put on `fantastic` World Cup show

Washington: Brazilian football legend Pele is of the opinion that his nation would rise above all the problems, which are hampering its preparations for footballs most spectacular showpiece and put on a `fantastic` World Cup this summer.

Demonstrations, including some violent ones, have been raging all over Brazil since last summer`s Confederations Cup, which were originally aimed against increasing travel fares, but have since gone on to include protests against staging the World CUP, corruption in government and a lack of social spending. However, Pele, who starred in three winning Brazilian World Cup sides, is confident that these issues would become of secondary importance once the competition kicksoff on June 12, CNN reported. Pele said that Brazil has had political problems, but the World Cup is a big party and it would be fantastic. Despite his status as a national hero, Pele came under fire for reportedly criticism of the protests which have been flaring up since last year`s Confederations Cup and the legend has also been apparently at odds with current Brazilian fans idol, Barcelona`s Neymar. Neymar said that he had been `inspired` by the mass mobilization, which has focused on poor quality public services while billions of dollars are being spent on the World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and this left Pele at pains to clarify his position. Pele said that he agrees with Neymar, as they must of course want the best for their country in terms of schools and hospitals, but added that the players have nothing to do with this or political corruption, which makes it wrong to jeer at the players like it happened in the Confederations Cup. The former footballer added that they need to separate these things because the players always show off the best side of Brazil and they should support them as it is a good moment for all.