Lula sees Brazil side before World Cup trip

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva greeted Brazil’s football squad Wednesday just before it flew to South Africa to compete in next month’s World Cup with hopes of becoming six-time champions.

The garrulous leader held coach Dunga in a long hug before going into a closed-door session with the side, along with wife Marisa Leticia who wore the green-and-gold jersey of Brazil’s Selecao.

“The president spoke with the players and expressed his confidence in them. He didn’t speak as a president, but as one of the many millions of Brazilian fans who have put their trust in this team,” Sports Minister Orlando Silva said.

After the meeting, the team flew out on a private jet for Johannesburg for final preparations before their first match on June 15 against North Korea.