Also, the country was seen as a top contender for a record sixth World Cup title in a land where soccer is practically the national religion. Now, seven years after Brazil was named host of the 2014 World Cup (which is underway), the world – and Brazil – are very different places. The worst global recession in 75 years has taken its toll on even the strongest economies, the U.S. included.
Brazil is in the midst of political, economic and social turmoil, the likes of which it hasn't seen in years. Costs for the project have run into the billions, with taxpayers footing a huge portion of the tab. Promised infrastructure improvements have yet to break ground. Some Brazilians are even rooting for their beloved national team to lose in the first round. How will the country survive what's shaping up as a global P.R. disaster?