Members of the Brazilian national team that played in the 1982 World Cup gathered to ask their compatriots to donate money to help the country's overcrowded favelas avoid the worst effects of the coronavirus.
In an initiative led by Paulo Roberto Falcao, 19 players, including Zico, Junior, and Leandro, recorded a video message asking for donations.
"The 1982 team in Brazil was known for its creativity, unity, and collective work ethics," said Falcao. "Now we are taking action again for Brazil."
The former Roma and Internacional midfielder said that 2.6 million reais ($500,000) were raised in less than a week.
The video is the latest in a series of efforts by Brazilian footballers to help the South American country cope with the effects of COVID-19.
More than 900 Brazilians have died from the virus, but doctors fear the number will increase significantly if there is an outbreak in the densely populated favelas, shantytowns that are present in most Brazilian cities.
The 1982 Brazil team is considered one of the best national teams that never won the tournament. After defeating the Soviet Union, Scotland, New Zealand, and Argentina, they needed a draw against Italy to advance to the final.
However, a hat-trick by Paolo Rossi gave Italy a 3-2 victory, and they went on to defeat West Germany to be crowned world champions.
The entire Brazil team, except for Socrates, goalkeeper Waldir Peres, and midfielder Batista, are still alive and contributed with a video for Falcao's initiative. (D)