Vini Jr Pele GFXGetty

Vinicius Jr hoping Brazil can achieve World Cup glory 'for Pele' with legend in hospital

  • Vini Jr dedicates Brazil win to Pele
  • Explains desire to win World Cup for him
  • Scored in 4-1 thrashing of South Korea

WHAT HAPPENED? Vinicius opened the scoring in a complete mauling of South Korea as Brazil danced their way into the World Cup quarter-finals. After the game, he paid tribute to Brazilian legend Pele and expressed how they wish to win the World Cup for the 82-year-old.

WHAT HE SAID: Speaking after the game, Vini Jr said: "I want to send a huge hug to Pele. This victory is for him. I hope that everything goes well, that he can get out of this situation and we can be champions for him."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Pele was readmitted to hospital last week following health complications, with further reports claiming he had later been moved to end-of-life care. He and his family have since played down those claims, with Pele explaining via Twitter that he was watching the last-16 tie from the hospital. Brazil players paid tribute with their own banner at full-time.

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IN THREE PHOTOS:

Vinicius Junior celebrate Brazil South Korea 2022GettyBrazil team celebrationsGettyBrazil squad Pele tributeGetty

WHAT NEXT FOR BRAZIL? The Selecao will keep Pele in their prayers, while also turning attention to their quarter-final clash with 2018 runners-up Croatia on December 9.

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