Being a Brazilian soccer player has its advantages. The country has a history and legacy of soccer greatness that automatically paints you in a positive light. But that history also comes with its great pressure and expectations. To be truly considered amongst the best Brazilians, you have to deliver like the best Brazilians. Just ask Kaka. The former Ballon d'Or winner was seen as the next big thing when he headed to South Africa as El Selecao's top star. But the then-Real Madrid property crumbled under pressure, tainting his legacy among Brazil's elite superstars.
Italy made a magnificent run to the World Cup final in 1994, having shut down a tough Brazilian side, forcing penalties. But the story would slowly unravel when Roberto Baggio, the main reason why the team had made it that far, lost the game for "El Azzurri." Here is how Baggio's tournament unfolded prior to that fateful moment.
As Brazilian organizers scramble to make last-minute preparations for the World Cup, set to begin June 12th, the protests against the event – despite the countries passion for the sport – continue to intensify in parts of the country.
Heading to Brazil to take part in World Cup 2014 festivities? Here's a few things you may need to know before heading down there for the biggest event in soccer.
In 1994, the World Cup came to the United States for the first time in history. Even though it was a historic moment for the nation, the turn history was made by another nation: Brazil. El Selecao won its fourth World Cup by defeating Italy on penalties in the final. The South American side was composed of numerous great players, but one of them dominated the competition. That man was Romario and he was the eventual Golden Ball winner. Here is a look at Romario's heroic campaign in 1994.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup will have the attention of millions of fans as they watch matches live on television or on secondhand experience. For LiveU, the scale of broadcasting the World Cup tournament may be the biggest operation for the live-video transmission company.
Back in 1970 Gerd Muller scored 10 goals in the World Cup. Since then only one player has come anywhere near that standard. That man was the great Ronaldo, who managed eight goals in that tournament and holds the record for highest scoring player in World Cup history with 15. Ronaldo did not earn the Golden Ball for his performance in 2002; that honor was given to the nearly impenetrable Oliver Kahn. But Kahn, who had been dominant throughout the first seven games of the tournament (he only conceded one goal in that span), met his match in the decisive match and allowed not one, but two goals against the superstar forward.
With less than a month until the first ball kick, Brazil continues to see protests against the biggest sporting event of the year. Preparations for the World Cup have been followed by a specter of popular discontent, and as the games near. more people hit the streets to voice their displeasure with the government and the Cup.
On Tuesday May 13, Spain's manager Vicente del Bosque announced his preliminary squad for the national team. The roster featured most of the mainstays from last year's Confederations Cup roster.
The world's biggest international animation movie celebration, The Annecy Festival, will be held June 9-14 in France. This year, the selection has more influence from Brazil from than any other country.
As usual Brazil, Spain, and Italy are the favorites to win it all. However, history tells us that this year, South American teams have an even bigger reason to be favored.
Snuggled amongst hills in the midwest of Brazil lies the village of Araras with an interesting phenomena. One in 40 of its inhabitants have a rare skin disease called xeroderma pigmentosum and likely represent the largest collected group of its kind in the world.
