BRASILIA, June 27: Brazil honoured the great Pele on Thursday and the other eight surviving players from its maiden World Cup triumph in 1958, a victory that put the nation on the football map and paved the way for four more titles.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gave the nine men medals of honour at a banquet dedicated to their 5-2 final victory over hosts Sweden 50 years ago.

Brazil, the most successful soccer nation with five World Cup titles, is now in a footballing trough fifth in regional qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

With other big names such as Garrincha, Zagalo, Didi and Vava, Brazil’s 1958 squad are considered by many to have been the best ever.

“Brazilians have got used to winning a lot and now they need to have patience,” he said.—Reuters