FIFA World Cup 2014: Corruption, Protests, Poverty, Sex, Violence, Crime…

Posted on May 23, 2014 by weehingthong

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Call it Football or Soccer, it doesn’t matter..

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THERE IS LITTLE FOOTBALL IN THIS POST. It covers all other things related to the FIFA World Cup 2014.

The FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil is OVER!

NOW THE PROBLEMS RETURN WITH A VENGEANCE!

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For both the government and the political opposition, the conversation has changed..

Los Angeles Times

With World Cup, Brazil shows its successes and shortcomings

As the country puts the World Cup behind it, those tensions will play out this fall in a presidential campaign and then in preparations for another huge global sporting event: the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Many Brazilians say the conflicts that emerged in the months before the World Cup crystallized the issues the country faces.

“There are many Brazils inside of Brazil. And during the Cup, I think the world got a near-complete picture, from the hospitality of the people during a relatively successful event to all the problems we have that you would think have simple solutions,” said Jorge Diogo Souza Costa, who is finishing his business studies in Recife, which was among the host cities for the World Cup.
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“They promised us a new country, and that obviously didn’t happen,” he said. “The negative reaction to that has totally changed the political discourse in the country, and topics like schools, transportation and healthcare, in contrast to the stadiums, have become commonplace.”
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Although support for the World Cup in Brazil was initially very high, concern rose as it became clear that the tournament, spread among 12 cities, would be three times as expensive as the previous tournament in South Africa. Construction for the games was beset by cost overruns and accidents.

The government often reminded voters that the final bill was small compared with spending on health, education and infrastructure investments, which increased, not decreased, during that period. But the massive construction for the World Cup provided an all-too-obvious contrast with more prosaic problems, experts say.

“There was a widespread feeling that, if our country could create stadiums of that size and quality, then why couldn’t we also carry out other projects and public services that well?” says Laurindo Leal Filho, a sociologist at the University of Sao Paulo. “Now that the event was a success, which has been positive for the government, the population will have even greater demands for public projects and services.

http://www.latimes.com/world/brazil/la-fg-ff-brazil-world-cup-wrap-20140714-story.html

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From ‘s celebratory flash to epic selfies, relive 5 bizarre moments:

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Paulo Ito’s painting of a starving child with only a football to eat has gone viral

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ILLEGAL BETTING RING CRIPPLED BY SINGAPORE POLICE

Singapore Police Force
Yesterday · Edited
Police Crippled Soccer Betting Syndicate #sgpolicearrestPolice have arrested 15 suspects comprising 12 men and 3 women, aged between 26 and 61, for their suspected involvement with illegal bookmaking activities.On 10 July 2014 at about 4.00 am, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Police Intelligence Department (PID) conducted islandwide operations at various locations in Singapore, including Tampines, Lorong Salleh, Bukit Batok, Hougang, Aljunied, Punggol, Pine Close, Bartley, Bedok and Anchorvale, resulting in the arrests. Cash amounting to about S$860,000, as well as an array of computers, handphones, laptops and documents such as betting records were also seized during the raids. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are believed to have received soccer bets amounting to an estimated S$880,000 in the past three weeks alone.Investigations against the suspects are ongoing.

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Singapore Police Force
July 3
Soccer Betting Syndicate Busted #sgpolicearrestPolice have arrested eight men, aged between 28 and 48, for their suspected involvement with illegal soccer bookmaking and punting activities.These arrests had resulted after officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Police Intelligence Department (PID) conducted islandwide operations in Clementi West, Jelapang Road, Tampines, Bedok Central, Jalan Kembangan, Boon Tiong Road, Hougang, Upper Boon Keng Road and Jalan Chermat, from 1 to 2 July 2014. Cash amounting to about S$190,000, as well as an array of computers, laptops, handphones and documents such as betting records were also seized. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are believed to have received bets amounting to about S$750,000 in the past two weeks.
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FOOTBALL: FAIL!

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Have a cup of this for the next game..

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So I guess this is how the Brazilians came up with the current World Cup logo…

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The Brazil World Cup logo predicted this.
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Pic of the day..

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: This picture of a fan says a million words. See more:

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A Brazil’s fan cries after a FIFA World Cup semifinal loss to Germany in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

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Published on Jul 8, 2014

Dozens of youth snatching bags, phones and jewelry sparked a stampede on the beach at Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday where fans gathered to watch Brazil play Germany in the semi-final match of the World Cup. (July 8)

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Video: Raw: Stampede in Rio During World Cup

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Brazil’s new flag.

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Argentina & the Netherlands after seeing Germany

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HAVING LOST 7-1, BRAZILIANS MAY CONSIDER…

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Any Brazilians want one of these?
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Possibly the saddest Brazilian fan at this game.
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BREAKING: Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue right now.

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Video: The Nurse Who Filmed Neymar In Hospital Has Been Fired

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Published on Jul 6, 2014

The nurse who filmed Neymar in hospital has been fired

A nurse who filmed Neymar being wheeled around on a hospital trolley has been fired, according to an article on Brazilan football site UOL.

The nurse filmed Neymar amidst a group of people who had gathered to see the Brazil star and was widely criticised for not only recording the football in that state but also for blowing kisses to the camera afterwards and laughing.

Neymar broke a bone in his back in the World Cup quarter-final against Colombia and his injury has been mourned by the country.

The site reports: ‘In an interview with the newspaper, the hospital administrator, Marcia Real stated that the employee was away and would soon be fired. The Brazilian team doctor Jose Luiz Runco said at a news conference on Saturday that the records of Neymar were collected by CBF. The nurse had only first names revealed: Chintia.’

Although the video was perhaps in bad taste, there doesn’t seem to be any malice behind the nurses actions, from what we can tell; she seems to be laughing and smiling at the end after seeing a superstar rather than an expression of joy at the pain Neymar was enduring.

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Real life FIFA Street in Brazil.

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 ·  Jul 3

Still waiting for the World Cup quarter-finals to start..
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Luis Suarez bottle opener..

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Overpasses collapses on vehicles in World Cup city, deaths reported

View this content on HuffPost Canada's website

Overpass Collapses In World Cup City

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil – An overpass under construction collapsed Thursday in this World Cup host city, killing at least two people and trapping a commuter bus, two construction trucks and a car in…

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Unfinished overpass collapses in the Brazilian World Cup host city of Belo Horizonte, killing at least two people.

Deaths as overpass collapses in Brazil city

Unfinished overpass collapses in the Brazilian World Cup host city of Belo Horizonte, killing at least two people.

View this content on Al Jazeera English's website
Last updated: 04 Jul 2014 00:58

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Luis Suarez bottle opener..

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 ·  Jul 2

Luis Suarez bottle opener..

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Hey WORLD soccer players, STOP doing this!

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: : Teams ranked by faking injuries can’t blame the NZ Ref bosnians!

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SINGAPORE POLICE: NO, THIS ISN’T ALLOWED!

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Home

Police shuts down free street screening of ‘live’ World Cup matches.

27 Jun 2014 – 1:49pm

The street-side free screening of World cup outside a house on Sing Avenue near Little India which was reported on TRS 3 days ago has been stopped by Police who told the crowd of 70 gathered there yesterday morning to disperse.

A resident there, Mr Rooban Kanth, 26, had moved his TV outside and been screening the World Cup on the street there for foreign workers for free.

The gathering started with about 7 people but as word got around about the free screening, more and more foreign workers in the area started to gather.

Even neighbours who had not subscribed to the world cup showed up and there was a great community spirit.

However, as the crowd grew, it appears that safety concerns also had to take priority as the police have now shut down little gathering.

http://therealsingapore.com/content/police-shut-down-free-street-screening-world-cup-sing-avenue

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SING AVE RESIDENT GIVES FREE WORLD CUP SCREENINGS EVERY NIGHT TO FOREIGN WORKERS

Post date:
24 Jun 2014 – 6:33pm
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Dear The Real Singapore,

A resident living at Sing Ave has been giving ‘free screenings’ of the World Cup for the past few nights, attracting foreign workers and local neighbours.

He would move his television set to outside his condominium, so that everyone can watch the programme.

These photos taken shows a group of men watching Spain’s game.

Caring is sharing. 

The free screenings attract foreigners — including workers who do not have TVs — and locals, rekindling the lost kampung spirit.

Mambo

http://therealsingapore.com/content/sing-ave-resident-gives-free-world-cup-screenings-every-night-foreign-workers

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Riot Police in Brazil this weekend during a FIFA protest.

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Car bombs blast Nigerian capital before World Cup game, at least 21 dead and 17 injured. AP

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least 21 dead and 17 injured. AP

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Terrible to hear about the Nigerian suicide bombers who blew up explosives at a Nigeria World Cup viewing party leaving 20 dead. Sick world.

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This tweet about Luis Suarez biting Giorgio Chiellini, was tweeted on 30th June, 2013. The prophesy came to pass.

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Luis Suarez tweets about the biting incident vs Italy ~

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Metro

Football fan wins £500 after betting £3 on Luis Suarez biting player at World Cup

Tuesday 24 Jun 2014 9:16 pm

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90th Min @90thMin

Wow. A Norwegian put a bet on Suárez biting an opponent @ 175 lol

2:46 AM – 25 Jun 2014

A Norwegian football fan has scooped a cool £500 after betting on Luis Suarez to bite somebody at the World Cup in Brazil.

Suarez has twice been spotted biting opponents in recent years, so the punter thought he’d put £3 on the striker to take a munch out of somebody at Brazil 2014.

And low and behold, towards the end of Uruguay’s clash with Italy, he bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini – triggering the bookmaker to pay out.

With odds of 175/1, it was a pretty amazing outcome, despite Suarez’s reliability for biting his rivals.

http://metro.co.uk/2014/06/24/football-fan-wins-500-after-betting-3-on-luis-suarez-biting-player-at-world-cup-4774558/

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For just 2 pounds a month you can help find his next meal

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Reuters

Spain plane struck by lightning on Madrid approach

Tue Jun 24, 2014 11:06am EDT

(Reuters) – Spain’s soccer team, returning home after a wretched World Cup in Brazil where the holders were eliminated in the first round, had another shock on Tuesday when their aircraft was struck by lightning as it came in to land in Madrid.

The Iberia flight, which touched down at about midday local time (1000 GMT) in the Spanish capital, was hit by a bolt of lightning but there were no negative consequences for the aircraft or the passengers, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed.

Although such incidents are relatively common and rarely dangerous, it was perhaps a fitting end to Spain’s disastrous campaign in Brazil, where they were well beaten by the Netherlands and Chile before securing a 3-0 win against another eliminated side Australia on Monday.

(Writing by Iain Rogers, editing by xxxxxxxxx)

 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/24/us-soccer-world-esp-lightning-idUSKBN0EZ1SC20140624

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Suarez in the World Cup from now on.

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THE BITE.

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FIFA technology says..

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China Press (中國報)
27 minutes ago
世界杯C組比賽: 烏拉圭1比0小勝意大利, 以小組第二名晉級16強淘汰賽。
但烏拉圭前鋒蘇亞雷斯在比賽中咬意大利後衛基耶利尼成為焦點, 國際足球聯合會(FIFA)正在調查, 職業生涯已經有兩次咬人惡行的蘇亞雷斯, 面臨最嚴厲的兩年禁賽。(照片自新浪網) (5 photos)

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Luis Suarez as a child..

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Luis Suarez as a child..

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Luis Suarez next season.

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 ·  Jun 22

FIFA to investigate after fans wear Blackface for World Cup.
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Male restroom at one of Brazil’s World Cup stadiums.

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Romário is now a politician. He believes the 2018 FIFA World Cup was “stolen” from England and sold to Russia.

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The News Minute

Salvador records 128 crimes against tourists

The News Minute | June 23, 2014 | 06:54 pm IST

Salvador (Brazil): The Brazilian city of Salvador has recorded 128 crimes against tourists since the start of the FIFA World Cup June on 12.

The crimes recorded in the capital of Bahia state include 90 theft incidents, 18 armed robberies, eight threatening and four fraud incidents. Two people were also injured, according to Bahia’s Public Security Authority, reports EFE.

Crimes that took place June 12-19 were 76.6 percent against foreign tourists — 21 Germans, 14 Australians, 13 Dutch, nine British, eight Swiss and seven French citizens.

With (IANS/EFE)

http://www.thenewsminute.com/worlds/89

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The Guardian

World Cup 2014: soothsaying animals – in pictures

After Paul the psychic octopus gained world wide fame at the 2010 World Cup, a number of animals have jumped on the bandwagon stepped forward to pick up the mantle during World Cup 2014. Here we take a look at some of them and see how they’ve fared.

Female octopus Regina from the Sea-Life-Aquarium in Berlin predicts a victory for Germany in their match against Portugal. She was correct as a Thomas Müller hat-trick and a Mats Hummels goal meant the Germans thumped Portugal 4-0.
Female octopus Regina, from the Sea-Life-Aquarium in Berlin, predicts a victory for Germany in their match against Portugal. She was correct – a Thomas Müller hat-trick and a Mats Hummels goal meant the Germans thumped Portugal 4-0. Photograph: Jens Kalaene/EPA
An Otter named Chippu, selects the Greek ball over the Japan ball at the Himeji Central Park in Himeji, Japan. Chippu got it wrong as it was a 0-0 draw, though to be fair it doesn't look like Chippu was given the option to predict a draw.
An Otter named Chippu selects the Greek ball over the Japan ball at the Himeji Central Park in Himeji, Japan. Chippu got it wrong as it was a 0-0 draw, though, to be fair, it doesn’t look like Chippu was given the option to predict a draw. Photograph: Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images
Taka walks past the flags of Ghana, left, and Germany at the zoo in Erfurt, during the TV recording of the armadillo's prediction for the match. We don't know which country Taka chose as the TV station kept the result secret but it didn't matter as the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Taka walks past the flags of Ghana, left, and Germany at the zoo in Erfurt, during the TV recording of the armadillo’s prediction for the match. We don’t know which country Taka chose as the TV station kept the result secret. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP
Four-year-old Asian elephant Yalu, reaches for the food in front of a Spanish national flag as it takes part in a World Cup match prediction event at a zoo in Jinan, Shandong province, China. Yalu got it wrong as Chile beat Spain 2-0 to send the defending champions crashing out of the tournament.
Four-year-old Asian elephant Yalu, reaches for the food in front of a Spanish national flag as it takes part in a World Cup match prediction event at a zoo in Jinan, Shandong province, China. Yalu got it wrong as Chile beat Spain 2-0 to send the defending champions crashing out of the tournament. Photograph: China Stringer Network/Reuters

For more, click on:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2014/jun/23/world-cup-2014-soothsaying-animals-in-pictures?CMP=twt_gu

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FIRST WORLD CUP RELATED ROBBERY OCCURS IN PENANG, MALAYSIA!

Star

Sunday June 22, 2014 MYT 8:57:40 PM

Two friends robbed while watching World Cup match at restaurant

NIBONG TEBAL: Two friends were injured when robbed by a group of men while they were watching the World Cup match at a restaurant in Taman Nibong Tebal Jaya here on Sunday.

A police spokesman said the victims, aged 43 and 55, were having a drink at a table at the five-foot walkway of the restaurant, while watching the football match, when four men on two Honda Ex5 motorcycles stopped and attacked them.

“A struggle ensued during which the attackers, who were armed with machetes, warned the victims to surrender their money and belongings.

“One of the attackers also said he had a pistol and would use it if they did not do as told,” he added.

He said the victims, fearing for their safety, then handed RM3,500 and two handphones to the attackers,” he said.

According to the police, other patrons at the restaurant dared not interfere or help the victims as they had been warned that they would be harmed.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/06/22/Crime-Robbed-World-Cup/

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 ·  Jun 21

World Cup Miracles..

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ANOTHER DEMONSTRATION!

Video: Anti-World Cup protesters clash with police in Rio

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Fans have been caught on CCTV jumping out of wheelchairs during goals and at critical moments during the matches, reported the Daily Record.

World Cup 2014: Police investigate ‘disabled’ fans standing up during matches

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Reuters, AFP
Saturday, Jun 21, 2014

RIO DE JANEIRO – Fifa has been boasting about how it is making Brazil 2014 accessible to all – including providing special audio commentary at selected stadiums and reserving at least 1 per cent of all tickets for the disabled.

But now the world body has been forced to investigate cases in which these concessionary disabled tickets – which also provide a free slot for helpers – are being abused.

Fans have been caught on CCTV jumping out of wheelchairs during goals and at critical moments during the matches, reported the Daily Record.

At least 22 pictures which show supposedly wheelchair- bound fans standing up at the 66,000-seater Sao Paulo arena where England played on Thursday are being probed by police.

“The World Cup is creating miracles,” joked one Brazil supporter, Andrea Dias.

http://news.asiaone.com/news/sports/world-cup-2014-police-investigate-disabled-fans-standing-during-matches?utm_content=buffer8ca09&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

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Top news story
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Best fans at World Cup? Japanese clean up stadium after team’s matches (PHOTOS)

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  World Cup 2014: Protests and anger, in pictures: In pics: Not all Brazilians are happy with the World…

The Telegraph
View this content on The Telegraph's website

World Cup 2014: Protests and anger, in pictures – Telegraph

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Riot police detain a demonstrator during a protest in Belo Horizonte
Riot police detain a demonstrator during a protest in Belo HorizontePicture: EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP

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An anti-government demonstrator takes part in a protest against the 2014 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro June 12, 2014. Brazil exploded with street parties as its soccer team won the World Cup's opening game on Thursday but scattered violent protests were a reminder that many locals remain angry over the billions spent to host the tournament
Brazil exploded with street parties as their side won their opening game but scattered violent protests were a reminder that many locals remain angry over the billions spent to host the tournamentPicture: PILAR OLIVARES/REUTERS

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Demonstrators push over a police car during a protest demanding better public services
Demonstrators push over a police car during a protest demanding better public servicesPicture: VICTOR CAIVANO/AP

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Brazilians take cover from tear gas during clashes before the start of the World Cup. Demonstrators clashed with police in Rio de Janeiro, just a few hours before the World Cup opening game between Brazil and Croatia. Demonstrations have been rife in Brazil for the past year, as many protest against what they perceive as excessive public spending on events like the World Cup. Protestors demand that the funds be spent on improving public services, including education, health and transportation
Brazilians take cover from tear gas during clashes before the start of the World Cup. Demonstrators clashed with police in Rio de Janeiro, just a few hours before the World Cup opening game between Brazil and Croatia. Demonstrations have been rife in Brazil for the past year, as many protest against what they perceive as excessive public spending on events like the World CupPicture: OLIVER WEIKEN/EPA
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Residents gather at a demonstration where protestors painted a street with the phrase 'Cup for Whom?' in the Mare community, or 'favela', on June 14, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The favela is currently occupied by the Brazilian Army. A recent Pew Research poll stated 61 percent of Brazilians believe hosting the World Cup is negative for Brazil. Anti-World Cup protestors feel the Cup will take away money away from health care, education and other public services
Residents gather at a demonstration where protestors painted a street with the phrase “Cup for Whom?” in the Mare community, or ‘favela’, on June 14, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The favela is currently occupied by the Brazilian Army. A recent Pew Research poll stated 61 percent of Brazilians believe hosting the World Cup is negative for Brazil. Anti-World Cup protestors feel the Cup will take away money away from health care, education and other public servicesPicture: MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10911741/World-Cup-2014-Protests-and-anger-in-pictures.html?frame=endScreen

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Chinese football fan dies on his sofa after ‘staying up for three nights to watch World Cup’ …

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Jun 19

RT : You’ll see the goals,the games.The people of Brazil have seen tanks & bullets.

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 ·  Jun 17

The Pakistani women who make the World Cup ball. The ball costs $160. They earn $100 a month. Sad.

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 ·  Jun 19

Bae: Send me a pic. Me: I can’t, I’m playing in the World Cup. Bae: I’ll send something back (; Me:
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 ·  Jun 19

England fans right now:

England fans right now:

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Check our these

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A tragedy waiting to happen! Video of a key staircase most people use to get to and from Rio de Janeiro’s famed Maracana stadium shows the structure built atop scaffolding wobbling under the weight of fans.

Video: Brazilian stadiums built to low standard , an accident waiting to happen as stairwell wobbles

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Over 250,000 people across Brazil have been forcefully removed from their homes for the Cup.

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The World Cup fever continues — this time underwater in Shanghai aquarium

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Financial Global Impact of FIFA World Cup 2014: Revenue of US$4.2bn+

TV rights of matches: $2.6bn
Sponsorships: $1.4bn from 20 companies
Sponsors: 3 categories
1 Partners
2 International sponsors
3 National sponsors
*Revenue from ticket sales are a minor source of income compared to TV rights & Sponsorships

1 Partners

Coca-Cola, Adidas, Hyundai, Emirates, Sony, and Visa

2 International Sponsors

Budweiser, Castrol, McDonald’s, Continental, Johnson & Johnson, Oi, Moypark, and Yinglisolar.

BUDWEISER!

Beer will enjoy the greatest product sponsorship presence at the World Cup.

The Budweiser brand will be visible in Brazil 2014
Each national team will have its own local beer sponsor:
1 Argentina with Quilmes
2 Colombia with Águila
3 Chile with Cristal
4 Ecuador with Pilsener
5 Uruguay with Pilsen.

3 National Sponsors

ApexBrasil, Centauro, Garoto, Itaú, Liberty Seguros, WiseUp, Fifa.com, and Football for Hope.

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*SONY IS ONE OF THE PARTNERS OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP IN BRAZIL.
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FIFA has banned Beats headphones from the World Cup because Sony is the games’ official sponsor.

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 ·  Jun 14

Wayne Rooney’s best goals at the World Cup..

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TODAY

Brazil homeless workers protest in World Cup host city

Brazil homeless workers protest in World Cup host city
Members of Brazil’s Roofless Worker’s Movement (MTST) march along 23 de Maio Avenue, during a protest against the World Cup in Sao Paulo, on June 18, 2014. Photo: Reuters
Published: June 19, 8:53 AM

SAO PAULO — A Brazilian homeless workers group that said it would not stage protests during the World Cup nevertheless held a demonstration in Sao Paulo yesterday (June 18), a day before the city hosts its second match there.

Several thousand members of the Homeless Workers Movement blocked one of Sao Paulo’s main freeways to demand more low-cost housing in the city of 11 million.

The group said right before the monthlong World Cup began last Thursday that it had reached an agreement with the government and wouldn’t protest during the football tournament. But group members said they are now protesting because city council members are trying to block rules that would help them get more affordable housing.

http://www.todayonline.com/sports/football/brazil-homeless-workers-protest-world-cup-host-city

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 ·  Jun 15

One photo can speak more than a thousand words.

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 ·  Jun 17

The two faces of the World Cup.

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 ·  Jun 16

Here is ad (in Portuguese) of someone selling handicapped tickets

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-with a wheelchair rental as part of the deal.

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 ·  Jun 16

Here is ad (in Portuguese) of someone selling handicapped tickets with a wheelchair rental as part of the deal.

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SOME PEOPLE, 300,000 OF THEM, DON’T WANT THE WORLD CUP!

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THE LENGTHS SOME PEOPLE GO TO JUST TO GET A BETTER VIEW!

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People pretending to be handicapped to use handicapped seats at the 2014 World Cup.

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Jun 13

Sums up everything from yesterday’s game

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THE JAPANESE ARE JAPANESE EVEN OVERSEAS!

Fans took bin bags to the game so they could clean up afterwards.

THE INDEPENDENT WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2014

Japanese fans watch the live broadcast of the 2014 FIFA World Cup match between Japan and Ivory Coast
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Japanese fans who watched their national team be defeated by the Ivory Coast in the Fifa World Cup on Saturday showed it is possible to lose graciously, when they stayed behind after the match to help clean up.

Despite seeing the Blue Samurais lose 2-1 against Didier Drogba’s team at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Japanese spectators armed with bin liners patrolled their side of the stadium and gathered up discarded litter, Yahoo Sport reported.

While gathering waste after a sporting event is customary in Japan, the spectators’ actions came as a shock to football fans from other countries.

Jun 15

CLASS ACT: Japanese fans were seen cleaning their part of the stands after the match.

 

Jun 15

CLASS ACT: Japanese fans were seen cleaning their part of the stands after the match.

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http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/world-cup-2014-japanese-fans-clean-stadium-after-losing-21-against-ivory-coast-9539793.html

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ARE THESE THE FIRST DEATHS FROM OVER-WATCHING THE WORLD CUP MATCHES?

 ·  Jun 16

At least three Chinese football fans have reportedly died after staying up to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup

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RT

Fatal FIFA World Cup? Chinese football fan dies in front of TV

Published time: June 16, 2014 14:44
Edited time: June 17, 2014 05:17
AFP Photo / Sia Kambou

The World Cup may have cost a young Chinese man his life after he probably died of sleep deprivation after spending nights awake watching tournament games.

A 25-year-old man from eastern Chinese city of Suzhou was found dead in his room on Saturday morning in front of his TV set, which was still airing a football match, Xinhua news reports. It is believed that the last game the man watched was Netherlands-Spain (5-1) match.

http://rt.com/news/166276-world-cup-sleep-deprivation-china/

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The Guardian

Croatia players refuse to talk to press after publication of nude photos

Croatia’s players are refusing to talk to World Cup reporters after photos were published of them bathing nude in the team’s swimming pool, their coach, Niko Kovac, said on Sunday.

Two photographers hid in the nearby bushes and took the pictures which were published by online media.

“I can’t force them to be at your disposal after what you have done to them and their families,” an angry Kovac told reporters in the team’s Praia do Forte training base.

“How would you feel if someone took naked pictures of you? They are adamant that they won’t speak to you lot any more and I don’t know whether the silence will end tomorrow or last until the end of our World Cup campaign.

“I respect my players’ opinion and I also know that you have done a very professional job so far but you blew it with this one. The whole world has seen the photos.”

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/15/croatia-players-refuse-talk-press-after-publication-nude-photos

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光华日报 Kwong Wah Yit Poh
24 minutes ago
【世界杯】克罗地亚多名球员
裸泳一丝不挂克罗地亚在入住训练基地的酒店泳池再遇麻烦–两位摄影师躲在附近的草丛里，拍下克罗地亚多名队员在泳池裸泳的场面，并发布到网上。有球迷在推特上发文称“没有在世界杯上给我们最好的足球，克罗地亚球员奖励给我们的是他们的裸臀。”

“World Cup” Croatia players swimming nude naked Croatia in rooms at the hotel swimming pool training bases in trouble-again-two photographers hiding in nearby bushes, took Croatia players swimming naked in the pool scene and posted on the Internet. Supporters said in a posting on Twitter, “did not give us the best football in the World Cup, Croatia player Prize to them by Moon. ” (Translated by Bing)

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www.fcbusiness.co.uk

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The Telegraph

Sao Paulo violent protests on World Cup opening day as journalist ‘injured’ amid rubber bullets and stun grenades

By , and Donna Bowater in Manaus

5:30PM BST 12 Jun 2014

Brazilian riot police were deployed in São Paulo ahead of the opening World Cup game amid clashes with protesters.

A protester is detained by police during the demonstration in Sao Paulo (NELSON ANTOINE/AP)

Within 10 minutes of the demonstration, officers had reportedly fired tear gas and sound bombs, and arrested one, according to local press.

Local people angry at the amount of public money being spent on the tournament have begun to carry out their threat of taking to the streets around the stadium where the opening ceremony will take place ahead of the first match.

The protest started in the east of São Paulo, which will host the opening ceremony of the World Cup from around 3pm local time (9pm UK time).

 

Police fire rubber bullets at protestors in Sao Paulo, today (RODRIGO ABD/AP)

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A CNN producer called Barbara Arvanitidis was left bleeding after police used stun grenades.

The BBC’s Wyre Davies helped administer first aid, and images appeared to show a journalist being tended to by paramedics.

CNN producer named as Barbara Arvanitidis receives medical attention (RICARDO MORAES/REUTERS)

CNN journalist Shasta Darlington said: “Thank you to @WyreDavies and cordon of protesters who helped our @Arvanb01 after we were hit by canister at protest #CNNWorldCup”
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Many Brazilians are angry about the £6.7 billion spent on hosting the World Cup in a country where millions of people live in slums and basic services such as healthcare are underfunded.

A protester throws a tear gas bomb after military police shot at protesters during the demonstration in Sao Paulo (NACHO DOCE/REUTERS)

Government ministers will be hoping for a home win in tonight’s opening match against Croatia to bring a feel-good factor to the country.
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Other strikes and protests are expected in the 12 host cities for the tournament. Some businesses in Rio have boarded up windows and doors in fear of rioting.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/brazil/10895328/Sao-Paulo-violent-protests-on-World-Cup-opening-day-as-journalist-injured-amid-rubber-bullets-and-stun-grenades.html

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Video: RAW: Police fire tear gas in Sao Paulo as protests continue ahead of Brazil World Cup

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CNN

Brazilian police fire tear gas at World Cup protesters

By CNN Staff
June 12, 2014 — Updated 1600 GMT (0000 HKT)

Sao Paulo, Brazil (CNN) — Brazilian police fired tear gas Thursday to hold back a small group trying to work its way through Sao Paulo to the Arena Corinthians stadium to protest the World Cup.

At least one person was arrested, CNN’s Shasta Darlington reported from the scene, 7 miles (about 11 kilometers) from the stadium.

Darlington and producer Barbara Arvanitidis were slightly injured when one of the canisters hit them. Darlington suffered a minor cut on her arm, and Arvanitidis was hit on the wrist.

Critics are furious at the Brazilian government for spending $11 billion on the World Cup instead of low-income housing, hospitals and schools.

A patchwork of plastic tents has appeared on an empty piece of land less than 2.5 miles (about 4 kilometers) from the World Cup stadium. More than 3,000 families have joined the squatter settlement known as the “People’s Cup,” hoping to use the global sporting event as a platform to pressure the government to provide low-income housing.
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Weeks ago, there were violent protests in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Demonstrations were staged in 18 cities last month. The biggest and most violent was in Sao Paulo, where police shot tear gas and protesters threw rocks and smashed the windows of a car dealership and a bank.

Taking advantage of the global attention focused on the country for the world soccer championship, other groups have staged protests to air their grievances — from striking teachers and police officers demanding higher wages to homeless activists.

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/12/world/americas/brazil-world-cup-protests/

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Star

Thursday June 12, 2014 MYT 4:36:42 AM

Brazil police fear protest violence at World Cup opener

by brian winter

Brazilian soldiers hold weapons as they are deployed to provide security at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 11, 2014, where Brazil will open the World Cup against Croatia on June 12. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Brazilian soldiers hold weapons as they are deployed to provide security at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 11, 2014, where Brazil will open the World Cup against Croatia on June 12. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Brazilian police fear street demonstrations will erupt in violence prior to the World Cup’s opening game on Thursday in Sao Paulo, as intelligence indicates a few hundred protesters will try to block roads leading to the stadium.

Police have used phone wiretaps and social media to gather information on protesters’ movements and plans before the opener between Brazil and Croatia, which will attract 60,000 fans, leaders of world football body FIFA and about a dozen heads of state, including Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.

Demonstrations have raged on and off since last June as Brazilians vent their anger against what they see as government overspending on the month-long tournament, among other issues.

At their peak, the protests drew more than 1 million people into the streets. They have been significantly smaller in recent months but police are worried about what they describe as a hard core of radicals, mostly young men, who have vandalized buildings and clashed with police at previous events.

Several protest groups have called on Facebook for their followers to gather in downtown Sao Paulo on Thursday at 10 a.m. (1300 GMT) and then head toward the Arena Corinthians, some 12 miles (20 km) east. The game is set to start at 5 p.m.

Surveillance indicates some protesters are planning to evade police barricades and cut off Radial Leste, a key thoroughfare that will be used by VIPs to get to the stadium, according to three officials informed of the intelligence.

Protesters or disgruntled subway workers who have taken strike action this month may also try to obstruct the train line that most fans will use to get to the game, the officials said.

Police have strict orders to keep roads and public transportation open.

http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Football/2014/06/12/Brazil-police-fear-protest-violence-at-World-Cup-opener/

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This week’s KAL’s cartoon

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The New York Times

SundayReview | Opinion

Throw FIFA Out of the Game

By DAVE ZIRINJUNE 6, 2014

WASHINGTON — MOST people associate FIFA, the organization that oversees international soccer, with the quadrennial joy of the World Cup. But as the 2014 tournament begins next week in Brazil, FIFA is plagued by levels of corruption, graft and excess that would shame Silvio Berlusconi.

Despite the palatial estates, private planes and pompous airs of FIFA’s current leaders, the organization actually has quite humble origins.

FIFA was founded in 1904 in Paris as a simple rule-making committee that aimed to regulate the guidelines for a new, rapidly expanding sport when played between nations. Because it was founded in Paris, the organization took its acronym, FIFA, from the French: Fédération Internationale de Football Association. What began as an effort to make sure that practices like punching one’s opponents would not be seen as a legitimate part of the game, morphed over time into one of the most successful and disreputable organizations in the history of sports.

Under the iron-fisted leadership of Sepp Blatter, FIFA has been steeped in rotating scandals for so long, it’s difficult even to imagine its not being immersed in one public relations crisis or another. Mr. Blatter succeeded his mentor, the similarly scandal-plagued João Havelange in 1998. Under his stewardship, FIFA officials have been accused of financial mismanagement, taking bribes and projecting a level of sexism and homophobia that seems to come from another century.

  Jean Jullien
FIFA’s corruption has been such an open secret for so many years that when new reports emerge, they tend to provoke more eye-rolls than outrage.
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Yes, soccer is still unquestionably the most popular sport on the planet. But a cloistered, corrupt society like FIFA cannot function in a WikiLeaks world.

It is past time to abolish FIFA. It is like a gangrenous limb that requires amputation before the infection spreads and the beautiful game becomes decayed beyond all possible recognition.

Soccer is worth saving. FIFA needs to take its ball and go home.

The author, most recently, of “Brazil’s Dance With the Devil: The World Cup, the Olympics, and the Fight for Democracy.”

Read more:

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BBC News

28 May 2014 Last updated at 00:02

Brazil anti-World Cup protesters clash with police

An indigenous Brazilian protesters aims an arrow at riot police who fired tear gas at demonstrators in Brasilia - 27 May 2014 Police said a mounted officer was hit in the leg by an arrow during clashes with indigenous protesters
Indigenous protesters approach police during a protest against the football World Cup in Brasilia - 27 May 2014 The protesters were involved in a tense stand-off with the mounted police
A native Brazilian kicks a tear gas grenade back at riot police in Brasilia - 27 May 2014 The stand-off gridlocked traffic across Brasilia for hours as police tried to disperse demonstrators

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-27598932

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NST

28 May 2014| last updated at 08:40AM

Brazil police fire tear gas at World Cup protesters

BRASïLIA: Brazilian police fired tear gas Tuesday to break up a protest by bow-and-arrow wielding indigenous chiefs who joined forces with anti-World Cup demonstrators to condemn the money spent on the tournament.

Wearing traditional clothing including feather headdresses and face paint,  about 500 chiefs mainly from the Amazon basin joined another 500 protesters  rallying for various social causes in Brasilia’s government square and began  marching toward the capital’s World Cup stadium.

As mounted police moved to block the march, some of the indigenous  demonstrators rushed their horses and one fired an arrow in their direction —  hitting an officer in the leg, Globo TV reported.

Some of the indigenous could be seen throwing stones at some of the 700  police encircling the stadium. Protesters also blocked streets around the  government plaza, where the congress, presidential palace and Supreme Court are  located.

Earlier, the aboriginal leaders climbed onto the roof of the congress  building in a protest they said was aimed at protecting their rights.

 

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Video: Brazil World Cup 2014 protesters march in Sao Paulo

National Post

Brazil national team’s World Cup 2014 preparations met by hundreds of protesters

Tales Azzoni, Associated Press | May 26, 2014 | Last Updated: May 26 3:38 PM ET
More from Associated Press

APTOPIX Brazil WCup Soccer Protest

Demonstrators hold up signs that read in Portuguese “There won’t be a Cup. There will be strikes,” center, and “We need schools, not stadiums” as they walk in front of the bus carrying members of Brazil’s national soccer team as it leaves a hotel for the Granja Comary training center, where the team will train and reside during the World Cup, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, May 26, 2014.

SAO PAULO, Brazil — Brazil’s preparations for its home World Cup got underway Monday amid chants of protests instead of support for the squad.
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The protesters surrounded the bus carrying the players from their hotel in Rio de Janeiro to the training camp in the mountain city of Teresopolis, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) away.

The demonstrators slowed the bus down as it tried to leave and then got close enough to attach dozens of stickers with slogans against the World Cup on the vehicle, including the windows. They also chanted and held anti-World Cup banners, including one that read: “There will be no World Cup, there will be a strike.”

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/05/26/brazil-national-teams-world-cup-2014-preparations-met-by-protest/

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The Economist

Brazil’s rolezinhos

The kids are all right

Youngsters gathering in shopping malls want attention, not political change

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Brazilian soccer player Hernanes holding an adidas Brazuca ball, the 2014 World Cup official soccer ball, after it was unveiled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Picture: Victor R. Caivano

http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/brazil-tackles-sex-tourism-before-world-cup-1.1690218#.U37SiHYVn3I

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THE INDEPENDENT
Friday 23 May 201

World Cup 2014: Brazil street artist Paulo Ito taps into country’s anger with mural of starving child eating a football

Paulo Ito’s painting of a starving child with only a football to eat has gone viral

This image of a starving child with nothing to eat but a football has tapped into Brazil’s complex relationship with the approaching World Cup.

Paulo Ito, a street artist, painted the mural on a school in Sao Paulo on 10 May and a photo of the artwork has since been shared more than 50,000 times on Facebook alone.

The city has been at the centre of repeated and sometimes violent protests against the government’s £6.5 billion spending on the World Cup when the money is so badly needed elsewhere.

“People already have the feeling and that image condensed this feeling,” he told slate.com.

“The truth is there is so much wrong in Brazil that it is difficult to know where to start,” he said.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/world-cup-2014-brazil-street-artist-paulo-ito-taps-into-countrys-anger-with-mural-of-starving-child-eating-a-football-9407393.html

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Brazil: A Poverty Assessment

Poverty Profile

The level of poverty in Brazil is well above the norm for a middle-income country. Within Brazil, there are wide disparities in the extent of poverty. More than half of all poor Brazilians live in the Northeast. In spite of urbanization, rural and urban areas contribute equally to national poverty. Poverty disproportionately affects the young. The participation of children in the labor force in Brazil is at least twice as high as in any other country in Latin America. In the North and Northeast regions, about a quarter of children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition. Poverty alleviation programs should focus more on children than they do now.

Poor rural households are concentrated in the Northeast. The household head is illiterate (frequently even if he attended school) and works in agriculture. About half are smallholders or sharecroppers. The rest are employees or temporary workers. Poor households are large–they have nearly twice as many children as the better-off. Access to utilities is rare.

Poor urban households are evenly dispersed between large cities and small towns; 40 percent live in the Northeast. They have more young children than wealthier households and spouses are not likely to participate in the labor market. The household head tends to be young, does not have a labor card, and most commonly works in services. Many are self-employed. A quarter of these household heads are illiterate; about half attended school for four years or less. These households have significantly less access to water and sanitation services than do better-off urban households.

For more:

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTPOVERTY/EXTPA/0,,contentMDK:20206734~menuPK:443285~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:430367,00.html

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Brazil tackles sex tourism before World Cup

May 19 2014 at 10:18am
By Yana Marull and Rahabi Ka

Natal, Brazil –

As night falls, Adriana de Morais patrols the clubs and bars of Natal, one of Brazil’s World Cup host cities, looking for underage prostitutes and trying to get them off the streets.

As she and her team weave between revellers in this tropical city known for its nightlife, their black polo shirts, emblazoned with the emblem of the local child protection unit, stand out amid the tight mini-skirts and colourful clothing of the crowds.

An estimated 600 000 foreigners are about to descend on Brazil for the World Cup, which opens on June 12, and the authorities worry the influx will bring an increase in sex tourism and child prostitution.

“It’s a singular event that brings many people from outside, and we really worry about sexual tourism,” Morais told AFP.

No official statistics on underage prostitutes exist in Brazil. The only figure available comes from the government’s anonymous child-abuse hotline, which received 124 000 calls in 2013 – 26 percent of them for sexual violence against children.

Most of the calls came from the north-east, a poor region where turquoise waters and idyllic beaches are a major tourist draw.

http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/brazil-tackles-sex-tourism-before-world-cup-1.1690218#.U37SiHYVn3I

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