YOKOHAMA -- Brazilian legend Pele is not too optimistic about Brazil's semifinal against Turkey, slated for Wednesday night at Saitama Stadium 2002, saying the absence of forward Ronaldinho is "a big loss for Brazil."
Ronaldinho of Paris Saint-Germain was red-carded in the 57th minute in Brazil's quarterfinal game against England for stomping on the foot of Danny Mills after the two players battled for the ball. Pele, speaking at a press meeting hosted by World Cup sponsor MasterCard on Sunday, said the decision was too harsh.
"The law says if you go over the ball, you can get a red card or a yellow card and this is the decision of referee. But I think it should have been a yellow card," Pele said referring to the sending off of Brazil's young forward Ronaldinho against England, whom he named one of the best players in the tournament.