CBS Examines Marketing Prowess Of Star Soccer Players

Friday's "CBS This Morning" examined the marketing power of the FIFA World Cup's star players, with CBS' Elaine Quijano saying Brazil F Neymar "has been pegged as one to watch for his skill on the field and his style off of it." He "follows the lead of soccer's biggest star," Portugal F Cristiano Ronaldo, who has "defined why soccer is called 'the beautiful game.'" Argentina F Lionel Messi is "considered by many to be the best player of this generation," and Italy F Mario Balotelli "is one of Italy's most electric talents." Both "will be worth watching over the next month and both have capitalized on their soccer success."

N.Y. Times style reporter John Koblin said, "You sort of look at the soccer field as a runway. … (but) they have to play well, they have to be good. You can't just be beautiful and look great in an underwear ad unless you're good" ("CBS This Morning," 6/13).