Despite all the issues and questions leading up to the World Cup in Brazil, the country and its people shined both on the pitch and off once the opening ceremonies were underway.
Brazil the soccer team is off to a promising – if controversial – start to the month-long contest defeating Croatia 3-1 to open the tournament. Group stage games will be played through July 4, then things get serious as the knockout stage starts.
SEE MORE: Pool standings and match schedule
Here’s the best in photos from the 2014 World Cup so far.
READ MORE: Brazil’s World Cup opening ceremony shines
The drama on the pitch has come fast and furious through the first weekend of play.
Brazil faced serious questions about its ability to host the 2014 tournament as it scrambled to complete facilities in the weeks and days before the start of the tournament.
SEE MORE: Is Brazil ready to host the World Cup?
The tournament has not been without its fair share of controversy within Brazil and with the sport’s organizing body, FIFA, itself. Strikes and other civil strife have plagued the Cup contest in Brazil, and are likely to continue throughout the tournament.
READ MORE: Civil strife part of the game in Brazil
Despite the uncertainty about Brazil’s readiness and the protests, Brazil’s youth showed why the South American country is the world’s leading soccer nation.
SEE MORE: Brazil’s youth show off their street soccer joy as heroes await World Cup
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