In 2002, I asked Pele if China could make it to the second round of the World Cup and the Brazilian legend assured me with great confidence, "of course, China will make it to the second round".

The outcome: China finished bottom of Group C with no wins, no draws, no points, no goals, as well as -9 in their goal-difference column, against Brazil, Turkey and Costa Rica. They ranked 31st in the 32-team tournament. Saudi Arabia had a -12 differential. Now, his home country has fallen victim to the Pele prediction curse.

Brazil'S dreams of a sixth World Cup title were shattered as the Netherlands came from behind to claim a stunning 2-1 win in an enthralling quarterfinal on Friday night.