Roberto Carlos (left) - praying for victory. (Allsport)
SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR BRAZIL
By Mark Bradley, PA Sport Chief Soccer Writer, Yokohama
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Roberto Carlos has revealed how the Brazil squad will link arms to go through
a ritual of mass prayer in their dressing-room before Sunday's World Cup final
against Germany.
The players have adopted the practice before each of their six games during
the touranment so far and have seen themselves carried to the final on the back
of six victories and 16 goals.
"Before the game, we hug each other in the dressing-room, we pray a lot in a
loud voice and that's the first thing we do when we come back into the
dressing-room," revealed Roberto Carlos.
"It's a ritual. I hope and pray that the two teams can make a good game and
that we can pray after the final whistle, giving thanks for a victory."
The Real Madrid wing-back was part of the Brazil side that succumbed to a 3-0
defeat in the final four years ago against France, but he is untroubled by the
pressure now surrounding them to avoid a recurrence.
"The pressure is not that much but we know that being in the final demands a
lot of responsibility," he said.
"We are aware that the world is watching but we are relaxed and ready to play
our best. I just hope that will be enough.
"I have had some beautiful moments at this World Cup. I'm sure that everyone
has enjoyed watching Brazil. Let's now make sure that we finish on a good final
note.
"It would be sad to see Brazil losing. So we have to do our utmost to secure
victory. We feel Brazil with us, the whole country and beyond.
"These are two great teams so I think it will be a beautiful final. All my
family in Brazil are going to watch it.
"Having spent 50 days together now, I think we have done enough to deserve to
be in the final. But the most important thing is winning the match and finishing
as champions."
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