Pelé: Halftime–Chapter 7

by Eddy Simon, Vincent Brascaglia
This biography, told in graphic form, explores the life of the famed Brazilian soccer player.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Halftime–Chapter 7, Chapter 8–Extra time
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. purge
    oust politically
    The media, universities, and all institutions are systematically purged of any individual suspected of "subversion."
  2. summary
    performed speedily and without formality
    The population is shocked to learn of the abductions, the use of torture, and summary executions that occur daily.
  3. atrocity
    an act of shocking cruelty
    I'll let it go with this cup, but afterward, I'll inform the authorities it's no longer possible for me to cover up their atrocities by playing for the flag!
  4. exhilarating
    thrilling or invigorating
    Of the four cups in which Pelé has participated, the Mexican one's the most exhilarating.
  5. element
    the situation in which you are happiest and most effective
    The players from Latin America are in their element.
  6. fiasco
    a complete failure or collapse
    The Brazilians sense that their hour for revenge has come after the 1966 fiasco.
  7. sanction
    impose a penalty on; inflict punishment on
    It's all the more true now that violent behavior on the field will be sanctioned by the referees. Yellow and red cards have just made their appearance.
  8. tantamount
    being essentially equal to something
    This semifinal is tantamount to final revenge in the exuberant minds of the two teams.
  9. exuberant
    unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings
    This semifinal is tantamount to final revenge in the exuberant minds of the two teams.
  10. facilitate
    make easier
    He's also a skillful passer who facilitates key plays for his teammates.
  11. jurisdiction
    the territory within which power can be exercised
    Pelé is under the jurisdiction of the National Confederation of Sports. We can force him to play for Brazil!
  12. insolvent
    unable to meet or discharge financial obligations
    The Fiolax Company of which you're a stockholder has become insolvent. They're several million dollars in debt.
  13. contention
    the act of competing as for profit or a prize
    We're out of contention for the NASL playoffs!
  14. extravagant
    recklessly wasteful
    The thunderous success of this sport led to extravagant expenditures, which indebted the clubs.
  15. charismatic
    possessing an extraordinary ability to attract
    What future is there for soccer here in the U.S. without the charismatic Pelé?
Created on Fri Oct 16 16:52:20 EDT 2020 (updated Tue Jun 17 12:25:49 EDT 2025)

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