Pele's World Cup views

The Brazilian legend answers your e-mails on an incredible World Cup so far.

See below for a selection of his answers, with more to follow soon.

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Pele has recovered from his recent illness and was in Shizuoka to witness Brazil's quarter-final victory over England.

Pele played in four World Cups, was a three-time winner, and is widely acknowledged as the greatest player of all time.

He also starred in Brazil's epic World Cup encounter with England in 1970 - a game his side won 1-0.

See below for a selection of his answers, with more to follow soon.

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Chris, UK

What was the difference between England and Brazil in this World Cup?

In this game Brazil went through again on key individual performances. Despite not playing yet as a team they have found a way to make a difference individually. I do believe Brazil deserved to win because they pushed forward more - even with 10 men.

I was a bit surprised England didn't force the action a bit more but we must give credit to Brazil's defence. They received a lot of criticism in the first round of the tournament but against England they showed themselves well. They really didn't give England any chances to score after Owen's goal.

Also, you must remember that each team received one gift goal. Owen finished very, very well but it was Lucio that gave it up to him. And in my opinion Ronaldinho was looking to cross the ball and somehow Seaman was caught off balance.

Brazil continue to have luck when they wear the blue jerseys. Forty-four years ago we won a very big game wearing the blue jerseys in the 1958 final in Sweden. It doesn't seem that long ago to me. Maybe our luck will continue for one more week.

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Paul, Australia (UK citizen)

What are the underlying reasons for Brazil's great footballing tradition? How early does their education in the beautiful game start?

A lot of Brazilians - like me - have been playing from three or four years old, sometimes even kicking around some rags tied up in the shape of a ball.

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Mac T, England

Were you aware of how symbolic it was at the time that you and Bobby Moore swapped shirts? It was as if an inter-racial union had been created at the highest level in sport.

The image of the two of you should be sported as a motif for tolerance, the world over.

I never knew at that moment it would have such an impact in years to come. All I knew was that I was very proud to exchange my jersey with Bobby Moore, who I believed was the best player of the 1970 World Cup.

He was a fair player and honourable man, and I was so proud to have considered him a friend.

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Gareth Hatch, USA

Do you still kick a football around?

Yes I do. I have the opportunity at times to practice with my old club Santos.

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