PHOTOS: Build up to the 2014 FIFA Soccer World Cup in Brazil
June 10, 2014
Alinee Aquino, 7, of San Diego, wears United States themed sunglasses outside of the Sao Paulo FC training center where the U.S. is holding its training in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The U.S. will play in group G of the 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) ( Brazil US Soccer WCup )
Flavio Aquino, of San Diego, holds up a sticker book with portraits of the United States men's soccer team players as children gather around outside of the Sao Paulo FC training center where the U.S. is holding its training in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The U.S. will play in group G of the 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) ( Brazil US Soccer WCup )
FIFA World Cup 2014 merchandise is seen on display at a football store on June 11, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. The World Cup 2014 in Brazil will begin on June 12th with the first match between Brazil and Croatia. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) ( 450415084 )
England flags adorn a house in a street in the Knowle West area of Bristol on June 11, 2014 in Bristol, England. The football World Cup, which kicks off in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014 with Brazil versus Croatia, has been beset by construction delays, protests and strikes. However, despite the problems and the fact that it is being hosted 1000s of miles away in Brazil the tournament is being widely anticipated throughout the UK with many homes, business and cars beginning to display England flags and other football paraphernalia. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) ( 450430158 )
A dog named after Chile's soccer player Valdivia reacts as he is photographed wearing a Brazilian soccer jersey during his morning walk outside Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. Brazil is hosting the World Cup soccer tournament starting Thursday. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
Fans stand outside of the Sao Paulo FC training facility wait the arrival of the U.S. Men's National Team for their training session at Sao Paulo FC on June 11, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ( 450434310 )
An Indian shopkeeper displays key rings of football-playing countries taking part in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, at a shop in Siliguri on June 11, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ Diptendu DUTTA/AFP/Getty Images ( 530604036 )
A morning commuter walks past a mural depicting a goalkeeper in Sao Paulo on June 11, 2014. Brazil's largest city and cars are decorated with murals and flags as they prepare to host the opening match of the FIFA 2014 World Cup between Brazil and Croatia on June 12th. AFP PHOTO/ ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images ( 530606104 )
People look at Brazilian paraphernalia in a shop in Itu on June 11, 2014 ahead the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. AFP PHOTO / RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP/Getty Images ( 530606300 )
The performers of Brazil's World Cup official theme song "We are one" Pitbull and Claudia Leitte, speak during a press conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 11, 2014 on the eve of the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. AFP PHOTO/PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images ( 530606256 )
View of the statue of Christ the Redeemer illuminated in the colors of the Argentinian national flag in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 10, 2014, as part of an initiative of tourism organisms of both countries called "Fair Play Day". The initiative also consists of illuminating simultaneously the Obelisk in Buenos Aires in the colors of the Brazilian national flag to show the world that both countries, traditional football rivals, are united. AFP PHOTO / YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images ( 530598667 )
French Culture minister Aurelie Filippetti shows a scarf to support the French national football team as she leaves the Elysee presidential palace in Paris, after the weekly cabinet meeting on June 11, 2014. The players arrived in Brazil last Monday, three days ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2014. AFP PHOTO/BERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images ( 530600911 )
This picture taken on June 10, 2014 shows a cook carving an image of Fuleco the Armadillo, the official mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, on a watermelon in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning province. Brazil is hosting its first World Cup since 1950 from June 12 to July 13, 2014. AFP PHOTOAFP/AFP/Getty Images ( 530596210 )
In this photo provided sportsbet.com.au, a hot air balloon in the likeness of Brazil's Christ The Redeemer statute, wearing the colors of Australia's soccer team floats over the Melbourne skyline Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Australia will begin their 2014 soccer World Cup campaign with a match against Chile Saturday, in Cuiaba. (AP Photo/sportsbet.com.au, Dave Callow) ( Australia Soccer WCup Balloon )
Indian children with faces painted in colors resembling those of the Brazil's flag place the ball on their faces as others watch, during a game of soccer in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Soccer fans around the world are gearing up to watch the World Cup soccer tournament that kicks off Thursday in Brazil. (AP Photo/ Aijaz Rahi) ( India Soccer WCUP )
In this Sunday, June 8, 2014 photo, a Brazilian boy dribbles a soccer ball as he waits for the start of the next street soccer game in a collapsing old hangar in Itu, on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil. A game is over after 10 minutes, or when one side scores two goals. The winner stays, the loser makes way for the next team. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama) ( Brazil WCup Street Soccer )
A man looks out from an installation depicting a 'slum area' which was set up as a form of protest on the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Organizers were protesting against the government's spending on the World Cup instead of services for the people of Brazil. The World Cup 2014 tournament will be held in Brazil and starts on June 12.(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
Mexican soccer fan, Cain Camacho from Chicago, Illinois shows his support for the Mexican soccer team on Copacabana beach as he awaits the start of the World Cup tournament on June 10, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil continues to prepare to host the World Cup which starts on June 12th and runs through July 13th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 450381876 )
Indian boys with faces painted in colors resembling those of the Brazil's flag pose for photographers, during a game of soccer in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Soccer fans around the world are gearing up to watch the World Cup soccer tournament that kicks off Thursday in Brazil. (AP Photo/ Aijaz Rahi) ( India Soccer WCUP )
Mexican soccer fan, Herwin Gomez, from Mexico, wears a Lucha libre mask as he arrives at the Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport for the World Cup tournament on June 10, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil continues to prepare to host the World Cup which starts on June 12th and runs through July 13th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 450382260 )
In this June 8, 2014 photo, a ragged, deflated ball sits at the edge of a collapsing old hangar where boys play street soccer in Itu, on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The boys playing their hearts out here are nervous about Brazil's chances of winning the World Cup. Brazil, currently third in the FIFA rankings, is still considered the world's greatest soccer nation. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama) ( Brazil WCup Street Soccer )
A young fan waits to see the training session of Cameroon's national football team at the Kleber Andrade stadium in Vitoria on June 10, 2014 ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup football tournament in Brazil. AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images ( 530576838 )
Italy's Mario Balotelli, right, challenges teammate Claudio Marchisio, for the ball, during a training session in the rain, in Mangaratiba, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Italy will play in group D of the Brazil 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) ( Brazil Italy Soccer WCup )
A boy takes a penalty kick on an interactive goaltender in the Museum of Football on June 10, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The museum is housed inside the famed Pacaembu Stadium and hosts exhibits on the history of soccer in Brazil and abroad. The opening match for the 2014 FIFA World Cup is June 12 when Brazil takes on Croatia. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) ( 450380034 )
Italy's Mario Balotelli, left, talks with his teammate forward Ciro Immobile during a training session, in Mangaratiba, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Italy will play in group D of the Brazil 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) ( Brazil Italy Soccer WCup )
United States' Matt Besler, left, and Omar Gonzalez work on resistance exercises during a training session at the Sao Paulo FC training center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The U.S. will play in group G of the 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) ( Brazil US Soccer WCup )
Brazilian military troops stand guard before the training session of Russia's national football team at Estadio Novelli Jr in Itu, close to Sao Paolo, on June 10, 2014, a few days prior to the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. AFP PHOTO / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/Getty Images ( 530575460 )
Russia's goalkeeper Sergey Ryzhikov makes a save as he takes part in a training session at Estadio Novelli Junior in Itu on the outskirts of Sao Paulo on June 10, 2014, ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. AFP PHOTO/KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/Getty Images ( 530575531 )
Russia's defender Andrey Eshchenko controls the ball as he takes part a training session at Estadio Novelli Junior in Itu on the outskirts of Sao Paulo on June 10, 2014, ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. AFP PHOTO/KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/Getty Images ( 530575507 )
Passengers rest on beanbags decorated like soccer balls as they wait for their flights ahead of the World Cup at the Guarulhos international airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The international tournament starts on June 12. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) ( Brazil WCup Soccer )
A pedestrian passes a graffiti depicting human hands holding the earth with the Brazilian flag in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The World Cup is set to open on June 12 with Brazil facing Croatia in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) ( APTOPIX Brazil Soccer WCup Daily Life )
Argentine tourists play with a ball as they stand in line outside Independencia Stadium for free tickets to watch a practice session by Argentina's soccer team in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The World Cup starts on June 12. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
Nicolas, an Argentine tourist, takes a nap as he waits with friends in line outside Independencia Stadium for free tickets to watch a practice session by Argentina's soccer team in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The World Cup starts on June 12. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
A woman walks by a mural depicting the World Cup mascot "Fuleco" stealing money in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. There have been steady anti-government protests across Brazil blasting spending on the World Cup which starts June 12 and demanding improvements in woeful public services. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
his composite image shows a fan of each 32 national teams taking part in the 2014 World Cup starting on June 12, 2014 in Brazil. (Photo by Getty Images) ( 490842873 )
People line up outside Independencia Stadium for free tickets to watch a practice session by Argentina's soccer team in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The World Cup starts on June 12. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
World Cup merchandise trophies are displayed at a shop in Ribeirao Preto on June 10, 2014, ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images ( 530573725 )
Pedestrians walk past Uruguayan and Brazilian flags hanging at the entrance of a sports shop in Sete Lagoas some 50kms north of Belo Horizonte on June 10, 2014, three days before the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. AFP PHOTO / DANIEL GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images ( 530573911 )
An activist from Rio da Paz Brazil performs as she hangs soccer jerseys on a clothesline next to a tent to symbolize a slum, next to a fake tombstone and large inflatable soccer balls covered with red crosses, on Copacabana beach to protest government spending on the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Brazil has seen near-daily protests with anger focused on the billions spent to host the international soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) ( Brazil Soccer WCup Protest )
A lady tries on a hat in a shop selling World Cup related merchandise in Ribeirao Preto on June 10, 2014, ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images ( 530573994 )
Algeria's forward Nabil Ghilas attends a press conference in Sorocaba on June 10, 2014, prior to the start of the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP/Getty Images ( 530574034 )
A horse-drawn carriage travels along a street under a canopy of national flags of countries participating in the forthcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Porto Seguro on June 10, 2014, ahead of the start of the tournament in Brazil. AFP PHOTO / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP/Getty Images ( 530574965 )
A woman and a boy walk in front of a mural painting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 9, 2014, just three days ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2014. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images ( 530571821 )
An Indian artist gives finishing touches to a clay idol of Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi (R) alongside a clay idol of Brazilian soccer player Neymar and a replica of FIFA World Cup for a football club, outside the workshop in Kolkata on June 10, 2014. Football fans in the eastern Indian city are gearing up for the upcoming Brazil FIFA World Cup 2014 and decorating their clubs with football-related paraphernalia. AFP PHOTO/ Dibyangshu SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images ( 530572724 )
An Indian artist carries a clay idol of Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi alongside a replica of the FIFA World Cup for a football club, outside the workshop in Kolkata on June 10, 2014. Football fans in the eastern Indian city are gearing up for the upcoming Brazil FIFA World Cup 2014 and decorating their clubs with football-related paraphernalia. AFP PHOTO/ Dibyangshu SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images ( 530572774 )
An Indian artist gives the finishing touches to clay models of football players inside a workshop prior to delivery to a local football club in Kolkata on June 10, 2014. Football fans in the eastern Indian city are gearing up for the upcoming Brazil FIFA World Cup 2014 and decorating their clubs with football-related paraphernalia. AFP PHOTO/ Dibyangshu SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images ( 530572891 )
An Indian artist gives finishing touches graffiti of Brazilian soccer player Neymar as a plastic football vendor looks on at the roadside in Kolkata on June 10, 2014. Football fans in the eastern Indian city are gearing up for the upcoming Brazil FIFA World Cup 2014 and decorating their clubs with football-related paraphernalia. AFP PHOTO/ Dibyangshu SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images ( 530573379 )
An Indian boy heads a football in front of graffiti of Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi at the roadside in Kolkata on June 10, 2014. Football fans in the eastern Indian city are gearing up for the upcoming Brazil FIFA World Cup 2014 and decorating their clubs with football-related paraphernalia. AFP PHOTO/ Dibyangshu SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images ( 530573407 )
An Indian artist gives finishing touches to a poster of Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi (L) and Brazilian soccer legend Pele at a local football club in Kolkata on June 10, 2014. Football fans in the eastern Indian city are gearing up for the upcoming Brazil FIFA World Cup 2014 and decorating their clubs with football-related paraphernalia. AFP PHOTO/ Dibyangshu SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images ( 530573155 )
View of Santa Isabel Street, in the southern zone of Manaus, one of the host cities of Fifa World Cup 2014, Amazonas state, Brazil, on June 11, 2014. The street is known for its 32-year-long tradition of World Cups decorations. AFP PHOTO/Raphael ALVES/AFP/Getty Images ( 530616989 )
Argentine fans cheer for their team before the start of a training session at Independencia Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. Argentina will play in group F of the Brazil 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) ( Brazil Soccer WCup Argentina )
Colombian fans drive past of the Maracana stadium with the Colombian national flag tied to their car, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The World Cup soccer tournament starts Thursday. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
A pet rooster named Paquita Fred stands next to a replica of the World Cup trophy in front of Maracana stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The 11 year old rooster wearing a cape with the colors of the Brazilian national soccer team and a medallion of the local Fluminense soccer team gets his name from Fred, the Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for Fluminense and is now one of the members of the national soccer team. The World Cup soccer tournament starts Thursday. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
French soccer team fan, Sephora Senouci, from France, wears the color of her countries flag as she enjoys Copacabana beach while waiting for the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil continues to prepare to host the World Cup which starts on June 12th and runs through July 13th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 450453604 )
Brazilian soccer team fan, Giovanna Selena, from Brazil, flies her countries flag as she enjoys Copacabana beach while waiting for the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil continues to prepare to host the World Cup which starts on June 12th and runs through July 13th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 450453548 )
Witchdoctor Chik Jeitoso smokes a pipe during a performance for the media at the Arena da Baixada stadium in Curitiba, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. During the performance Jeitoso, a famous witchdoctor from Curitiba, predicted difficulties for Brazil in the World Cup and the bad energies are likely to affect Neymar and Messi during the competition. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
Paul Sota wears a suit that looks like the FIFA mascot as he visits Copacabana beach while waiting for the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil continues to prepare to host the World Cup which starts on June 12th and runs through July 13th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 450453544 )
Argentinean soccer team fan, Cesar Olmo, relaxes among stuffed toys for sale at the FIFA Fan Fest tent setup on Copacabana beach while waiting for the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil continues to prepare to host the World Cup which starts on June 12th and runs through July 13th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 450452568 )
Colombian soccer team fans, Pedro Caicedo Ramirez (L) and Isabel Maldonado, from Colombia, enjoy Copacabana beach while waiting for the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil continues to prepare to host the World Cup which starts on June 12th and runs through July 13th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 450452564 )
A local boy shows off his beach soccer skills on Magna Praia beach on June 11, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) ( 450451958 )
Mexican soccer fans pose for the photo wearing wrestling masks in front of Maracana stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The World Cup soccer tournament starts Thursday. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) ( Brazil Soccer WCup )
Mexico City's "Great Warlock" Antonio Vazquez, left, and assistants perform a magic ritual using a soccer ball to help Mexico's national soccer team reach the quarter-finals in the World Cup, in Mexico City, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The ceremony was intended to "clean" the Mexican team of bad vibes and to "neutralize" mystical rituals performed on behalf of the Cameroonian team. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) ( APTOPIX Mexico WCup Warlock Spell )
Categories: Soccer, Sports, Syndicated
Tags: photo