Читать книгу Now You Know Big Book of Sports онлайн

114 страница из 137

Quickies

Did you know …

that when a schoolmate of Pelé’s came up with his nickname, Pelé punched the boy and received a two-day suspension?

What does “Pelé” mean?

The name “Pelé” has no meaning in Portuguese, the language of Pelé’s homeland, Brazil. The nickname was given to him as a taunt by a schoolmate when Pelé was young. In Hebrew, it means “miracle.” It is also the name of a Hawaiian volcano goddess. It also resembles the Irish language word peile, meaning football.

Quickies

Did you know …

that Sir Stanley Matthews, who played over 80 international games for England, played in a major contest on his 50th birthday?

What is the FIFA World Player of the Year award?

The FIFA World Player of the Year is an Association Football award given annually to the player thought to be the best in the world, based on votes by coaches and captains of international teams.

Quickies …

Did you know …

that Alex Villaplane, France’s captain in the first World Cup match, was shot dead by French resistance fighters in July 1945 for alleged collaboration with the Nazis?