Simon Romero The New York Times

Brazilian soccer fans, who traditionally view Argentina as their chief rival, seemed to be generally pleased with the result of the game. When Germany scored its only goal in the 113th minute, securing victory in extra time, fireworks were set off across the city.

The loss to Germany has reverberated politically in a country where the fortunes of the national soccer team are an obsession rooted in a tradition in which Brazil has won five World Cup titles, more than any other nation. Brazil entered the tournament as a favourite.

While studies showed anti-government protests had dwindled substantially, Brazil's humiliating exit from FIFA World Cup may once again cast a massive shadow in the country.

The loss stunned Brazil, where pride over five previous World Cup championships is forged into the national identity, as is a humiliating defeat to Uruguay the last time Brazil played host to the World Cup.

Juan Camilo Zuniga has been the target of death threats and racist abuse after his foul on Neymar in the quarters of the FIFA World Cup 2014.

The arrival in Brazil this year of more than 200,000 Spanish-speaking fans, for the FIFA World Cup, from large nations like Mexico and Colombia and smaller ones like Costa Rica and Uruguay exemplifies one of Latin America's most profound shifts since the start of the century: the rise of the middle class.

Even as the world welcomed and enjoyed the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2014 between Brazil and Croatia, there was evident discontent against the political establishment of the host nation.

Brazil's love for football and excitement around hosting the FIFA World Cup has given way to protests with the local population demanding basic necessities. With two days left for the event, there is a genuine buzz here as well.

Brazil's list of feats since ending authoritarian rule in the 1980s is as long as it is varied, including anti-poverty programs pulling millions into the middle class, the democratic election of presidents who suffered indignities under the dictatorship and the surging growth of tropical agriculture to help feed the world.

With hotel rooms in perilously short supply and even modest hostels in Rio de Janeiro charging as much as $450 for a bed during the World Cup in Brazil next year, the residents of Rocinha and other favelas, or slums, are making the most of the city's acute shortage of lodging

Brazilian soccer fans, who traditionally view Argentina as their chief rival, seemed to be generally pleased with the result of the game. When Germany scored its only goal in the 113th minute, securing victory in extra time, fireworks were set off across the city.

The loss to Germany has reverberated politically in a country where the fortunes of the national soccer team are an obsession rooted in a tradition in which Brazil has won five World Cup titles, more than any other nation. Brazil entered the tournament as a favourite.

While studies showed anti-government protests had dwindled substantially, Brazil's humiliating exit from FIFA World Cup may once again cast a massive shadow in the country.

The loss stunned Brazil, where pride over five previous World Cup championships is forged into the national identity, as is a humiliating defeat to Uruguay the last time Brazil played host to the World Cup.

Juan Camilo Zuniga has been the target of death threats and racist abuse after his foul on Neymar in the quarters of the FIFA World Cup 2014.

The arrival in Brazil this year of more than 200,000 Spanish-speaking fans, for the FIFA World Cup, from large nations like Mexico and Colombia and smaller ones like Costa Rica and Uruguay exemplifies one of Latin America's most profound shifts since the start of the century: the rise of the middle class.

Even as the world welcomed and enjoyed the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2014 between Brazil and Croatia, there was evident discontent against the political establishment of the host nation.

Brazil's love for football and excitement around hosting the FIFA World Cup has given way to protests with the local population demanding basic necessities. With two days left for the event, there is a genuine buzz here as well.

Brazil's list of feats since ending authoritarian rule in the 1980s is as long as it is varied, including anti-poverty programs pulling millions into the middle class, the democratic election of presidents who suffered indignities under the dictatorship and the surging growth of tropical agriculture to help feed the world.

With hotel rooms in perilously short supply and even modest hostels in Rio de Janeiro charging as much as $450 for a bed during the World Cup in Brazil next year, the residents of Rocinha and other favelas, or slums, are making the most of the city's acute shortage of lodging