Rio de Janeiro, Jun 12 (Agencies) : It`s show time in Brazil and the journey to Rio is finally over! The 2014 Fifa World Cup begins on Thursday with hosts Brazil playing the tournament opener against Croatia.
The month-long tournament sees 32 nations compete for a place in the final in Rio on Sunday, 13 July.
The journey hasn`t been an easy one with construction and stadium delays that threatened to take some shine off. In the bigger picture lies the ongoing protests in major cities against the excessive spendings for the event amidst financial and employment crunch. But overall Brazil will hope to put all the hardships behind and will look to kick off with the event in style and what more than starting off with a victory.
The opening match will be preceded by a ceremony in Sao Paulo that pays tribute to nature, people and football. Like the Olympic Games, this international event cannot begin without fanfare. As host, Brazil has planned an extraordinary show that will remind onlookers of the nation itself.
There will be dancers, musicians, gymnasts, trampolines and more as the participants attempt to portray a story while also creating a feast for the eyes.
With months of preparation going into a 25-minute extravaganza, fans should expect quite a show. While the main show will feature many unrecognisable acts, it will end with a performance by some of the world`s biggest stars.
Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian artist Claudia Leitte will come together to perform their new collaborative hit entitled "We Are One (Ole Ola)".
Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari had stated on Wednesday that they are ready for the event and are together for the mega event.
"Let me tell you the time has arrived. We are going together. This is our World Cup," said Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari on Wednesday.
Unity is what is required and the most successfull footballing nation needs to come together and light up the scenario for the whole world to see.
The host country`s government is keen to prevent a repeat of some of the violence seen at the recent protests, and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has said that she will not allow violent demonstrations to mar the World Cup. Thousands of extra police and soldiers will be deployed to ensure the matches get underway smoothly.
Hosts Brazil start as favourites to win the World Cup for a sixth time, while holders Spain are aiming to win a fourth major tournament in a row after winning the European Championships two years ago.
A capacity 65,000 crowd is expected for the opening match, with their journey to the stadium eased after Metro workers vowed not to resume a strike.
Comment on this article
Rajesh, Africa
Thu, Jun 12 2014Breaking News - India will qualify for the 2050 World Cup Football.
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Indian, Mangalore
Thu, Jun 12 2014When SP MLAs went on a foreign trip BJP along with Congress unitedly condemned those MLAs and SP govt. for misusing taxpayers money..Same when Karnataka MLAs went on South American ‘study tour’ ....now the BJP lead Goa govt. is financing similar trip over taxpayers money....!!!
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Ranjith Rodrigues, udupi
Thu, Jun 12 2014Yes, for the next 1 month in Brazil, it is Samba time, and for us it is SAMBHAR time because of food inflation.
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N.M, Mangalore
Thu, Jun 12 2014how do you expect our sportsmen with pure vegan diet to build up stamina and play a non stop game for 1 hour?
i dont think dal sambhar diet will be of any use to world class footballers?
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Jossey Saldanha, Mapusa
Thu, Jun 12 2014BJP MLA'S from GOA are on their way to do the SAMBA in Brazil...
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Mann, bangalore
Thu, Jun 12 2014Valerian Dsouza, Udupi
Most of the success achieved in any sport by Indians is with their own efforts, with employing their own coach and with their own finance. Even when they win laurels for the Country and prize money is announced by Government, the corrupt sport officials do not deliver this prize money to the athletes. The cheques issued are not honoured and the athletes suffer losses by spending their own money in an effort to realize the prize money.
If such is the situation with the Sports Ministry in India - very rarely government sponsored athletes\sports persons excel in any sports.
Until The Government takes to task erring sport Minister to sport attendant Indian sport is not going to win more prizes for the country.
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Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai
Thu, Jun 12 2014Mann, Bangalore
You are right. Many talented are poor,can't afford to invest their time in sports where there is no immediate reward.
Therefore talent is not harnessed. Time should change, our Govt should give priority to the areas which is neglected in the past.
Human life should be valued and accorded priority, if we want see growth in all spears of life.
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Ranjith Rodrigues, udupi
Thu, Jun 12 2014Im predicting a BRAZIL vs. Germany/Spain/Argentina/Portugal/netherlands/Belgium/Uruguay final....
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Jossey Saldanha, Mapusa
Thu, Jun 12 2014BJP MLA'S from GOA have already learnt the SAMBA dance to perform in BRAZIL...
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jithesh,
Thu, Jun 12 2014Sleep less nights Begins.... here we go.. woooooo
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Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai
Thu, Jun 12 2014It is really feast for the eyes!
In India, there should have been a craze for football and many other games, instead or excessive politics.
We would have been more healthy, sporting and happy.
We should invest more into sports and games, India could earn more medals in Olympics as well.
Work and play makes life beautiful and complete.
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jeevan, mangalore
Thu, Jun 12 2014Let pappu enjoy football instead sleeping /wasting time in LS
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Af, mangalore
Thu, Jun 12 2014sad thing is that except 3 states in India rest all cricket feverish,
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Kaka, mangalore
Thu, Jun 12 2014i do not think india will ever favour football. I wish i was in some football loving country. i have no idea who the sports minister is... but he has make some big changes in the indians mind.. should make all the indians football lovers...
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