Brazilians hope not to lose like Jagger
PUBLISHED ONJune 28, 2014 9:00 PMByMarc Lim
Brazilians love Mick Jagger. But they are hoping the Rolling Stones legend does not back Brazil at this World Cup.
The veteran rocker has been publicly predicting the outcome of some matches and has got all of his calls wrong, prompting Brazilians to be unanimous in their hope that the Selecao do not lose like Jagger.
The latest instance was last week's prediction in front of a 70,000-strong crowd in Rome that Italy would beat Uruguay. Italy, of course, went on to lose the match 0-1 and exited the World Cup at the group stage.
At a concert in Lisbon in May, the 70-year-old Briton proclaimed that Portugal would win their first world title in Brazil. Perhaps he should have spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo first. The world player of the year has said: "I never thought we would be world champions. We have to be humble and recognise our limitations."
Jagger also cheered on England when they met Uruguay. No prizes for guessing that result - yes, Uruguay won.
Jagger and the Stones are a big hit in Brazil. Close to a million people packed Copacabana beach for a 2006 concert. He also has family here, having fathered a child 15 years ago with former Brazilian model Luciana Gimenez. He often spends time with his son in South America.
But when it comes to football, Brazilians want him to stay as far away as possible.
Some fans are trying to use the hex on other teams.
At the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, one fan carried an over-sized picture of Jagger, with the message "Good luck Camaroes (Good luck Cameroon)" before Brazil's final Group A match against Cameroon on Monday. Brazil went on to win the match 4-1.
Brazilian fans have also taken to social media, making fun of Jagger's track record, which goes back to the last World Cup.
In South Africa, he showed up at the Brazil-Netherlands quarter-final only to see Brazil lose. Earlier, he backed the United States in their loss to Ghana and was rooting for England when they were beaten by Germany. It has been 12 years since Brazil last won the World Cup. With the Selecao in good form, Brazilians are hoping for a record-extending sixth World Cup. The last thing they want to be singing on July 13 is how they can't get no satisfaction.
marclim@sph.com.sg
Twitter: @STmarclim
This article was first published on June 27, 2014.
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