Wednesday, 28 May 2014

Brazil gives J-Lo and Pitbull's song the thumbs down ahead of summer 2014 World Cup

Brazil does music as well as it does football. Pretty damn good in other words. It's little surprise then that the host nation have proved harsh judges of the official song of the World Cup. Brazil's assessment of We Are One has been withering on a Cowell-esque scale. Rightly so, the ditty trundled out by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and native daughter Claudia Leitte is truly awful and about as Brazilian as a stadium finished on time.
Its stock is so low that the locals would be happy enough to just rehash an old tune with #VoltaWakaWaka becoming a trending hashtag here in the hope that Shakira's anthem for South Africa 2010 can be brought back in place of J-Lo and Co.
Brazil is 'One' alright, united in turning the volume down.
Party time: Jennifer Lopez (left), Pitbull and Claudia Leitte perform the Official World Cup song on stage
Party time: Jennifer Lopez (left), Pitbull and Claudia Leitte perform the Official World Cup song on stage

Unison: J-Lo and Pitbull's World Cup song We Are One has been canned by the Brazilian public
Unison: J-Lo and Pitbull's World Cup song We Are One has been canned by the Brazilian public
J-Lo during recording of We Are One
Claudia Leitta (left) and J-Lo during recording the song
Star performers: J-Lo and Claudia Leitte during recording of their World Cup song We Are One




Remember me? Juliano Belletti (ex-Brazil and Chelsea)

Some Brazilian imports came and made the Premier League their own (Juninho, Gilberto Silva), some didn't quite (Mario Jardel and Afonso Alves at the head of that queue).
Juliano Belletti falls somewhere between the two but that's not say there weren't spectacular moments during his three seasons at Stamford Bridge.
The World Cup winning full-back scored some screamers in his time at Chelsea's and came to mind this week after Marcelo bundled in Real Madrid's third against Atlético in the Champions League final.
The last Brazilian to score on European football's biggest night was none other than Belletti, who broke Arsenal hearts with the winner in the 2006 decider. Three years retired, he works as an analyst for SporTV in his homeland.
Remember me? Former Chelsea defender Juliano Belletti is now working for Brazilian TV
Remember me? Former Chelsea defender Juliano Belletti is now working for Brazilian TV


Quote of the week:

'We believe we are heading in the right direction. We have two more games in Brazil and all these games are designed for us to be ready for the first game against Chile.'
Australia coach Ange Postecoglou after his side's sterile 1-1 draw with South Africa on Monday.
The Socceroos will be the first team to arrive in Brazil when they get here on Wednesday, a full 11 days before England.
Dropped into a group with Spain and Holland, as well as Chile, they probably should make the most of their pre-tournament time. They're unlikely to hang around too long after kick-off.

Travellers tip: Hydrate ahead of time

FIFA released their stadium food and drink prices yesterday and while fans jetting in from Europe or Australia may be pleasantly surprised to find that, by home standards, they'll be far from fleeced once inside any of the 12 host arenas, the same can't be said for locals.
Being asked to shell out R$6 (£1.60) for a small local beer (a large is £2.70, a large Budweiser £3.50) is hardly going to burst many budgets but being asked for R$6 for a 500ml water when any corner store in Brazil sells 1.5litre bottles for less than a quarter of the FIFA price smacks of good old-fashioned opportunism.
Maybe just get plenty of H2O onboard before coming through the turnstiles.
Big prices: The Brazilian public has reacted badly to FIFA's high prices for food and drink inside stadiums
Big prices: The Brazilian public has reacted badly to FIFA's high prices for food and drink inside stadiums

Amazon forecast: How’s the weather up in Manaus?

June rolls around this weekend which means only one thing in the world's biggest rainforest - winter is here. But don't wheel out the gloves and snoods just yet because the relentless heat is not ready to give way in Manaus.
Highs of 30C will persist all week with lows (English fans might feel 'slightly less highs' is a better term) of 23C.
Consider this, stadium volunteers plucked from the local community complained of feeling ill after training runs in the heat in recent days. If that's the toll it is taking on the locals, blow-ins may be better off staying indoors.

 
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It was Carlo Ancelotti not David Moyes Manchester United wanted last summer, claims Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

Manchester United wanted history-making manager Carlo Ancelotti to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson last year, according to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Speaking on Spanish radio Perez suggested Sir Alex Ferguson only chose David Moyes after Ancelotti told him he was replacing Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Perez said: 'Ferguson called him (Ancelotti) to be his successor but he told him he had already promised to come here with us.'
Wanted man: Manchester United were keen to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as Sir Alex Ferguson's replacement last summer according to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez
Wanted man: Manchester United were keen to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as Sir Alex Ferguson's replacement last summer according to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez
Popular: Ancelotti is thrown into the air by his Real players after victory against Atletico Madrid in Lisbon
Popular: Ancelotti is thrown into the air by his Real players after victory against Atletico Madrid in Lisbon
Claim: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says United wanted Ancelotti ahead of David Moyes last summer
Claim: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says United wanted Ancelotti ahead of David Moyes last summer




Ancelotti became only the second coach in history to win the Champions League three times on Saturday when he led Real Madrid to victory.
Perez also denied he was going to replace Ancelotti if he lost the match.
'At no time was a he on his way out. I would have brought him to the club sooner if I could have.'

Decision maker: Perez claims that Sir Alex Ferguson, pictured here with Real's Angel Di Maria, personally called Ancelotti last summer
Decision maker: Perez claims that Sir Alex Ferguson, pictured here with Real's Angel Di Maria, personally called Ancelotti last summer
Flop: United appointed David Moyes last summer but the Scot was sacked in April after a disastrous season
Flop: United appointed David Moyes last summer but the Scot was sacked in April after a disastrous season
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Atletico Madrid complete signing of 'new Sergio Aguero' Angel Correa from San Lorenzo

Atletico Madrid have confirmed they have reached an agreement with San Lorenzo for the transfer of Angel Correa.
The teenager has signed a five-year contract, subject to a medical, and the fee is believed to be around £6million.
Correa has scored 10 goals in 48 games for San Lorenzo, and has been compared to former Atletico star Sergio Aguero.
New boy: Atletico Madrid have signed San Lorenzo youngster Angel Correa on a five-year deal
New boy: Atletico Madrid have signed San Lorenzo youngster Angel Correa on a five-year deal

Potential: The teenager has been compared to former Atletico hitman, not at Manchester City, Sergio Aguero
Potential: The teenager has been compared to former Atletico hitman, not at Manchester City, Sergio Aguero

The 19-year-old plays in an attacking midfield role, but has featured in a number of positions.
Atletico won La Liga last season, as well as reaching the Champions League final, and may be strenthening their squad early to prepare for some big losses, including the possible departure of Diego Costa.
On top of the transfer news, Diego Simeone's side have revealed their new kit for the 2014/15 seaso.
The traditional red and white strip is part of Nike's 'Risk Everything' campaign, and is based on the 1975 kit, when Atletico became champions of the world for the first time.
It has three wide stripes on the front and back, as well as the distinctive white box to display the players’ numbers on the back.
Ready to go: Koke, Raul Garcia, Gabi and Javier Manquillo model Atletico's new kit for the 2014/15 season
Ready to go: Koke, Raul Garcia, Gabi and Javier Manquillo model Atletico's new kit for the 2014/15 season

Legendary: The new strip has three stripes on it in tribute to the 1975 'champions of the world'
Legendary: The new strip has three stripes on it in tribute to the 1975 'champions of the world'
Legendary: The new strip has three stripes on it in tribute to the 1975 'champions of the world'


Nike took 3D body scans of many of the world’s leading footballers to create a kit with an updated and perfect new fit. The new fit allows the body to move more naturally within the kit, and so effortlessly improves players’ comfort and performance.
The new home kit will be available at Atlético de Madrid Official Stores, specialist stores and at nike.com in Spain from June 6 and the rest of the world from June 26.
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Royal Ascot competition: Win tickets to the opening day plus spectacular hospitality

Nothing compares to the glitz and glamour of Royal Ascot, the highlight of the summer calendar and one of the most prestigious events of the year.
Now, thanks to MailOnline Sport and QIPCO British Champions Series, you and a friend can be there on the opening day of the meeting (Tuesday, June 17) to enjoy a luxurious day’s racing complete with spectacular hospitality.
Not only will you witness some of the world’s best racehorses on track with grandstand tickets, you’ll also win a table for two in the fabulous trackside Sandringham restaurant featuring Lenotre with a Pimms No1 reception, seasonally influenced three-course menu and full afternoon tea.
Big winner: Estimate (left) gets up to win at Royal Ascot last year - who was celebrating as the horse's owner?
Big winner: Estimate (left) gets up to win at Royal Ascot last year - who was celebrating as the horse's owner?

To be in with a chance to win this fabulous prize, answer this question:
Estimate won last year's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Who owns Estimate?
a) The Queen
b) Prince
c) Jim Royle
E-mail your answer, along with your name, address and contact number to:

sportcomp@dailymail.co.uk

to arrive by 10am on Wednesday, June 4.
PLEASE NOTE: You must validate your entry with the words ROYAL ASCOT in your subject box; Normal Associated Newspapers terms and conditions apply - the Editor's decision is final.
Royal Ascot is live on Channel 4 from 17 – 21 June and features seven QIPCO British Champions Series races. To see more about the QIPCO British Champion Series go to www.britishchampionsseries.com


 
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£6m-rated Norwich keeper John Ruddy to challenge Wojciech Szczesny at Arsenal next season

Arsenal are giving serious consideration to a £6million move for Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy.
Arsene Wenger wants a new keeper to push current No.1 Wojciech Szczesny all the way next season. 
The Gunners have been alerted to Ruddy's potential availability ahead of next season and Sportsmail understands there is a strong willingness from the Emirates Stadium to pursue a move for the England international.
Premier League return? Arsenal are interested in Norwich keeper John Ruddy who is available for £6m
Premier League return? Arsenal are interested in Norwich keeper John Ruddy who is available for £6m

Target: Cardiff City stopper David Marshall is an alternative as Arsene Wenger eyes a new No 2
Target: Cardiff City stopper David Marshall is an alternative as Arsene Wenger eyes a new No 2

Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has also been identified as a possible candidate to replace outgoing second choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski.
But Ruddy's extensive top-flight experience puts him ahead of McCarthy.
Cardiff keeper David Marshall has also been watched, but his £15million price tag could prove a stumbling block towards a potential move to the north London.
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Chelsea agree free transfer for Atletico Madrid's Tiago as Jose Mourinho eyes reunion with Portuguese midfielder

Chelsea have agreed a surprise deal to bring back Portuguese midfielder Tiago.
The 33-year-old has starred for Atletico Madrid in this past season, culminating in the Spanish league title and defeat in the Champions League final to Real Madrid, yet he is out of contract.
Jose Mourinho has already lined up a £38m deal with his club mate Diego Costa but Tiago's pending signature will no doubt help Costa settle in to life at Chelsea.
Moving on: Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago is set to leave the club on a free transfer next month
Moving on: Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago is set to leave the club on a free transfer next month
London bound? Tiago is keen on a return to Chelsea, where he spent one season under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05
London bound? Tiago is keen on a return to Chelsea, where he spent one season under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05


Atletico are poised to promote Saul Niguez to Tiago's position, a 19-year-old who has been on loan at Rayo Vallecano and who was wanted by Everton, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Mourinho is looking to add at least three more players to his side with another striker and two defenders key.
They have made enquiries for left-back Filipe Luis at Atletico, made a late check on Luke Shaw's pending transfer to Manchester United and asked about Sevilla's Alberto Moreno who is wanted by Liverpool.
Bright future: Atletico youngster Saul Niguez has been tipped to step up and replace Tiago next season
Bright future: Atletico youngster Saul Niguez has been tipped to step up and replace Tiago next season

Reunion: Tiago would relish the opportunity to work under Jose Mourinho again
Reunion: Tiago would relish the opportunity to work under Jose Mourinho again

Wanted man: Chelsea are keen to sign Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa (left) this summer
Wanted man: Chelsea are keen to sign Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa (left) this summer
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Holland defeat Spain, Germany and Brazil to lift lingerie World Cup

Ever heard of a lingerie World Cup?
With the World Cup just weeks away, the lingerie version of the tournament took place on Saturday.
A host of scantliy-clad beauties represented their countries at the competition and the lucky referee was former Holland international Andy van der Meyde.
The ex-Everton wideman officiated the games in his home nation and appeared to enjoy the role as he laughed and joked with the players.
All smiles: Players pose for a photo following the Lingerie World Cup which took place on Saturday
All smiles: Players pose for a photo following the Lingerie World Cup which took place on Saturday

Your call: Former Everton wideman Andy van der Meyde refereed the tournament
Your call: Former Everton wideman Andy van der Meyde refereed the tournament

Defensive wall: Van der Meyde referees a game involving the Dutch, who went onto win the tournament
Defensive wall: Van der Meyde referees a game involving the Dutch, who went onto win the tournament
Safe pair of hands: The former Dutch international speaks with one of the goalkeepers
Safe pair of hands: The former Dutch international speaks with one of the goalkeepers

Havign signed for Everton from Inter Milan in 2005 after the Blues finished fourth, Van der Meyde, now 34, stuggled during his four-year spell at Goodison Park and made just 20 appearances in four years on Merseyside.
Women from Brazil, Germany, Spain, Germny, Italy, South Korea, Algeria and Russia took part in the 4-a-side competition last weekend as hosts Holland claimed victory.
Robin van Persie and co will be hoping to repeat the feat achieved by their female compatriots at this summer's World Cup.
Holland, managed by Louis van Gaal who will take charge of Manchester United following the tournament in Brazil, face Chile, Australia and current World champions in Spain in Group B.
On the spot: Supporters look on as one of the Dutch participants prepares to take a penalty
On the spot: Supporters look on as one of the Dutch participants prepares to take a penalty

Under pressure: Another players places the ball down on the spot during the 4-a-side competition
Under pressure: Another players places the ball down on the spot during the 4-a-side competition
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Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy escape the rain of Stoke to top up their sun-tans in LA

Four years ago Peter Crouch was practicing his robot celebration ahead of the 2010 World Cup, but the Stoke striker is taking it easy this summer and making the most of the Los Angeles sunshine with wife Abbey Clancy.
The couple have been enjoying the sights of Hollywood and have been topping up their tans with an afternoon spent sunbathing by their hotel pool.
Crouch has also showing off his feminine side by parading around the shopping district with a Chanel handbag slung over his shoulder.
Topping up the tan: Abbey Clancy relaxes at a Los Angeles hotel
Topping up the tan: Abbey Clancy relaxes at a Los Angeles hotel


Potter: Stoke striker Peter Crouch has been enjoying a holiday in America with his wife
Potter: Stoke striker Peter Crouch has been enjoying a holiday in America with his wife

Catching the rays: Crouch and Clancy escaped rainy England for some sunshine
Tuck in: The couple enjoyed a bowl of nachos by their hotel pool
Catching the rays: Crouch and Clancy escaped rainy England for some sunshine

Sharp shooter: Crouch finished the season as Stoke's top scorer with 10 goals
Sharp shooter: Crouch finished the season as Stoke's top scorer with 10 goals

The pair married in 2011 and Crouch was heavily linked with a move to Crystal Palace in the January transfer window.
But Crouch stayed with The Potters and ended the season as the side's top scorer with 10 goals in 38 appearances.
Stoke are hoping to strengthen their strike-force this summer with the signing of Senegal hitman Mame Biram Diouf.
Mark Hughes on Thursday announced his first new recruit of the transfer window in Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley, who will officially join the club on a three-year deal on July 1.
Man bag: Crouch shows off his new accessory as the couple take a shopping trip
Man bag: Crouch shows off his new accessory as the couple take a shopping trip

Shop til you drop: The couple were spotted in Los Angeles picking up some clothes from the high street
Shop til you drop: The couple were spotted in Los Angeles picking up some clothes from the high street
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Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi again as he is named world's most marketable footballer, Gerard Pique makes top three

Having helped Real Madrid finally achieve La Decima this season, star man Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world's most marketable footballer by global sports market research experts 'Repucom'.
Lionel Messi, often labelled the world's best player along with Ronaldo, is second in the list while his Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique makes a surprise entry in the top three.
Perhaps the biggest eyebrow-raiser in the list, however, is Fernando Torres' ranking of fourth in the list. The Chelsea frontman has struggled for form at Stamford Bridge following his £50million transfer from Liverpool in January 2011.
Champion of Europe: Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world's most marketable footballer in the world
Champion of Europe: Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world's most marketable footballer in the world
Flying high: Lionel Messi is the world's second most marketable footballer and earns around £16million a year
Flying high: Lionel Messi is the world's second most marketable footballer and earns around £16million a year

On the podium: Spain defender Gerard Pique comes third on the list having won everything in the game
On the podium: Spain defender Gerard Pique comes third on the list having won everything in the game
Top ten: The most marketable footballer rankings have been created by market research experts 'Repucom'
Top ten: The most marketable footballer rankings have been created by market research experts 'Repucom'



England forward Wayne Rooney makes the top five on the list - the Manchester United star has 20million Facebook fans and will be England's best-known player at this summer's World Cup football.
Ronaldo, who has a staggering 82 million fans on Facebook and 26million followers on Twitter, won his second FIFA Ballon d'Or earlier this year and is also seen as the best 'trend-setter' with 82.5 per cent of those asked saying the Portugal international reflects trends in today's society. The 29-year-old, who recently posed with girlfriend Irina Shayk, is also known by 83.9 per cent of people globally.
The Argentine, who has won the Ballon d'Or four times, has been Barcelona's talisman during their dominance in recent years and is the world's best-paid star earning around £16million a year.
Pique, meanwhile, has been equally as impressive at the back for the Spanish giants having signed for the club back in 2008.
The Spain international has won everything in the game, including three Champions League trophies and the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
However, Pique's fame is heightened further to due to the fact he is married to Colombian pop star Shakira having met the singer whilt filming a music video for her song: ''Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)', which was the official song of the World Cup held four years ago.
Over 58 per cent of people around the globe have heard of the centre back while 97 per cent of the population in his home country are aware of who Pique is.
Globally famous: Wayne Rooney, who makes the top five, will be England's best-known player at the World Cup
Globally famous: Wayne Rooney, who makes the top five, will be England's best-known player at the World Cup


Model professional: Ronaldo and girlfrend Irina Shayk appeared on the front cover of Vogue Spain
Model professional: Ronaldo and girlfrend Irina Shayk appeared on the front cover of Vogue Spain

Hips don't lie: Pique's fame across the globe has grown due to the fact he is married to pop star Shakira
Hips don't lie: Pique's fame across the globe has grown due to the fact he is married to pop star Shakira

Fernando Torres' inclusion in the top five is perhaps the biggest surprise. The Spain international has often been labelled a flop during his three-and-a-half years at Chelsea, having scored a paltry 20 goals in 110 appearances for the Blues.
However, 'El Nino', who previously impressed for Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, has won the World Cup and the European Championships with his country.
Torres had amassed two million Twitter followers as of this month, the same number as Messi.
Surprise inclusion: Fernando Torres has struggled since his £50million move from Liverpool to Chelsea
Surprise inclusion: Fernando Torres has struggled since his £50million move from Liverpool to Chelsea
Surprise inclusion: Fernando Torres has struggled since his £50million move from Liverpool to Chelsea




The top 10 is made up of Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Neymar, Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and former Arsenal star Thierry Henry, now plying his trade in America with the New York Red Bulls.
Paul Smith, Founder and CEO of Repucom said: 'With just over two weeks to go before the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off, the world’s gaze is firmly on the competing teams and players. The World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world and as such, big brands, official partners or otherwise, will and are using its global appeal to drive sales.
'Endorsements of celebrities and in this case footballers have an incredibly powerful way of doing just
that creating an emotional connection with a brand. The star can raise awareness and create a buzz
for brands and products at a time when breaking through the marketing clutter that surrounds such
huge events is critical for commercial success.
'Ronaldo is an endorser’s dream. His value is as important to the teams he plays for as they are for the companies that endorse him.'
Maverick: Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic came ninth on the list created by Repucom
Maverick: Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic came ninth on the list created by Repucom

Included: Barcelona frontman Neymar (left) and Arsenal legend Theirry Henry (right) also made the top 10
Included: Barcelona frontman Neymar (left) and Arsenal legend Theirry Henry (right) also made the top 10
Included: Barcelona frontman Neymar (left) and Arsenal legend Theirry Henry (right) also made the top 10


HOW THE RANKINGS WERE CREATED

Repucom’s Celebrity DBI measures the perceptions of 16-69 year olds in 13 markets including Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Turkey, the UK and the US, representing the views of more than 1.5 billion people.
In June 2014, the figure will increase as Repucom’s Celebrity DBI launches into Japan and Australia.
Repucom’s Celebrity DBI defines marketability by evaluating eight contributing attributes
including the awareness, appeal, breakthrough, trendsetter influence, trust, endorsement and
aspiration of and for the celebrity.
The tool currently monitors over 5,000 celebrities, including athletes, film and TV stars,
musical performers, business leaders and personalities.
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Monday, 26 May 2014

Make like Melanie with a Stella McCartney backpack


We know what you're thinking. What does a WAG carry her newborn baby's bits and bobs around in? A hastily stuffed changing bag like the rest of us? Well actually, nothing less than leather Stella McCartney.
Yummy mummy Melanie Slade looked the picture of laid back luxe as she headed out wearing skinny jeans, a striped tie front T-shirt and a biker jacket. But it was the bag on her back that really caught our eye.
Stella McCartney's chained trimmed Falabella bags come in all shapes, shades and sizes. But we love that it has been remodelled as a rucksack this season. The luxe leather number leaves Melanie's hands free to dote over baby son Finley and looks grungy yet glamorous. And she's not the only fan of Stella McCartney backpacks, because Rihanna is often seen out and about with hers.
You'd need to have £755 burning a hole in your current handbag, but click (right) to Selfridges to copy Melanie. But if your budget isn't quite so premier league, shop the bargain leather backpacks we've found for you in the edit below.

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