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World Cup kicks off

June 12, 2014

Actors perform during the opening ceremony before the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia, the opening game of the tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

(AP) The wait is over. The sun rose Thursday on a tropical nation hosting its first World Cup in 64 years. Nearly half the world’s population, well over 3 billion spectators, is expected to watch soccer’s premier event and get a glimpse of the country that in two years will host the Summer Olympics.

But just hours before play begins, it still isn’t clear which Brazil we’ll see.

Will it be the irreverent nation known for its festive, freewheeling spirit? Or the country that for the past year has been a hotbed of fury over poor public services, discontent over a political system widely viewed as corrupt, and deep anger over the $11.5 billion spent on hosting the World Cup?

Perhaps, it will be both.

Soccer will take the spotlight when play begins with Brazil and Croatia meeting in Sao Paulo on Thursday at 1 p.m. PT. Brazilians are hungry to see their soccer juggernaut deliver a record sixth World Cup crown to a nation desiring something – anything – to celebrate after enduring a year of grueling protests and strikes.

There still is the chance for unrest.

Anti-World Cup protesters in Sao Paulo and at least five other major cities have called for demonstrations during the tournament. Air travelers landing in Rio de Janeiro found a portion of airport workers striking Thursday for higher wages, but Sao Paulo averted a transportation mess when its subway workers voted against resuming their walkout on the World Cup’s opening day.

South Korea will play its first game on June 17, Tuesday, against Russia, a day after the U.S. goes up against Ghana. Both games are scheduled to start at 3 p.m. PT and will be televised by ESPN.