We didn't get porn mags, say Brazilians

BRAZIL’S players have denied reports claiming they were each due to receive a consignment of pornographic magazines for the World Cup finals.

"This will not affect the players or the team staff because there’s no truth in it," said forward Rivaldo.

"These things must not be allowed to affect the national team players. It makes me a little sad because we try to show that we have been well brought up, that we are responsible," added the Barcelona player.

"People should write things they know about, not things they don’t know about."

The Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper claimed an arrangement had been made to deliver the magazines to the players when they arrive in South Korea.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, nicknamed The Professor, was reported to be livid when he heard the story and insulted the journalist responsible after cornering him in the team hotel.

"The Professor, you know what he’s like, he has a strong temperament but it passes quickly," said Rivaldo. "He knows we are going to hear more things like this."

Captain Emerson Ferreira said: "We shouldn’t talk about it, we don’t want these negative things to enter the group."

Full-back Roberto Carlos added: "Personally, I laughed because it’s a funny story but also it’s a lie, neither the coach, nor anyone else, bought this kit at any moment."

"This damages his (the journalist’s) image because he could end up coming across as a liar himself, not just to us but also to you."

Brazil, who face Malaysia in a final warm-up game today, play their opening game in Group C against Turkey in Ulsan, South Korea on June 3. Costa Rica and China make up the group.