The spectacular at sunset

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. But there’s an added incentive to be there on 13 July 2014: the Final of the 20th FIFA World Cup™ will unfold in the mystical Maracana! First, though, teams have to qualify for the competition. The above picture, of a teenager performing an acrobatic kick on Leblon beach at sunset, was taken during the Preliminary Draw for Brazil 2014, which took place at the Marina da Gloria, a stunning part of A Cidade Maravilhosa (The Wonderful City). The action thereafter has been engrossing, and the next two matchdays will unfold in mid-October. With the menu’s highlights including Argentina-Uruguay, Germany-Sweden, Iran-Korea Republic and Russia-Portugal, bring it on! From Fifa