The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is now just a year away as Brazilian legend Pele let us know in Rio during the week.
What a wonderful day today in Rio - a new partnership with @hublot and the official 1-year countdown to the World Cup twitter.com/Pele/status/34 — Pelé (@Pele) June 12, 2013
World Cup fever was rife in some parts of the world. Australia captain Lucas Neill was hoping the Aussie fans would fill Sydney's ANZ Stadium for Tuesday's crucial qualifier against Iraq which could send the Socceroos to Brazil 2014.
#SocceroosChat Thanks for the questions and thanks for the support, get ready to Samba, see you Tuesday. #AUSvIRQ#CANWEFILLIT @terraceaust — Lucas Neill (@LucasNeill) June 13, 2013
Chelsea's Juan Mata jetted into Brazil with the World-champion Spanish squad ahead of the Confederations Cup and was quick to cool down with a refreshing coconut drink.
Just landed in #Brazil. Ya estamos en #Brasil. #aguadecoco#coconutwaterinstagram.com/p/aelNKDkCF8/ — Juan Mata García (@juanmata10) June 12, 2013
New York Red Bulls star Tim Cahill woke up to recall his historic goal for Australia against Japan at Germany 2006, adding a quick word for the sponsor.
Morning, what an amazing day.7 years ago the priceless moments in Germany in the Worldcup.First aussie to score in a WC #luckyihadmyweetbix — Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) June 12, 2013
And Barcelona's Gerard Pique was preparing for the Confeds Cup after Spain's 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland in New York on Tuesday.
Good win 2-0 against Republic of Ireland. It was a pleasure to play at the Yankee Stadium. Going to Brazil to start the Confederations Cup. — Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) June 12, 2013
Away from international football, players were up to various things around the world. Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng was putting in the hard yards in the gym as well as getting some sightseeing done in LA.
Work hard play hard twitter.com/JB17Official/s
— Jerome Boateng (@JB17Official) June 12, 2013
LA Galaxy Stadium with Alex twitter.com/JB17Official/s — Jerome Boateng (@JB17Official) June 12, 2013
Rio Ferdinand was quick to lay down some harmless self-promotion regarding his Manchester United testimonial.
If u want 2 go 2 my testimonial game vs Sevilla on Aug 9 at Old Trafford (some cool surprises) 2 book tickets go to official Man Utd website — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 12, 2013
Wherever Chelsea's Eden Hazard was, it looks lovely
Enjoyyyyy twitter.com/hazardeden10/s — Eden hazard (@hazardeden10) June 12, 2013
Despite being in retirement, ex-Everton skipper Phil Neville was working hard to maintain his elite fitness.
Morning all time to hit the gym beach circuit time-have s great day troops — phil neville18 (@fizzer18) June 13, 2013
And here he is revelling in his coaching work with the England U21s at the Euro championships in Israel.
Coaches pose!! twitter.com/fizzer18/statu — phil neville18 (@fizzer18) June 12, 2013
Aston Villa's Andi Weimann was excited about modelling the club's questionable away kit for the 2013/14 season.
Can't wait to wear the new away kit ! #lookingwelltwitter.com/andiweimann/st
— Andreas Weimann (@andiweimann) June 12, 2013
Stoke City midfielder Maurice Edu was hoping to use part of his holidays to catch recently-released horror film The Purge.
Hey who's seen The Purge? I wanna go see it tomorrow but heard it wasn't the best. Thoughts? — Maurice Edu (@MauriceEdu) June 13, 2013
Toronto FC striker Robbie Earnshaw doesn't mind breakfast at dinner time
If in doubt,Cereal is always great anytime of the day. — Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) June 13, 2013
And once again, our favourite Twitter contributor Joey Barton finishes things off. He was gearing up for Champions League football for next season .only if you leave QPR though Joey!
Looks like I am actually well capable of playing Champions League football. Hopefully, I get to prove it next season. joeybarton.com/is-joey-barton — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) June 12, 2013
