Civil strife, discontentment and corruption threatens to sully Brazil’s soccer glory when the World Cup kicks off on Thursday against a backdrop of protests, unrest and alleged political graft.
What was to be a soccer celebration is in danger of being hijacked by off-field issues as a growing furore surrounding FIFA over alleged vote-buying for the 2022 World Cup stews and anger over domestic political corruption broils throughout Brazil.
The outrage is a far cry from what was envisioned when Brazil was selected as host nation in 2007. And for all the FIFA and protest dramas, billions of people around the world will tune in as eagerly as ever once the action begins.
The home of what Pele termed “the beautiful game” is likely to respond like few others could, if its yellow-shirted heroes can carry all before them.
