Its crescent-like coast -- where coconut water is coolly sipped , Brazilian sun beats down and hodgepodge hotels stand , juxtaposed against the dramatic peak of the Sugarloaf Mountain and her sisters -- The so-called 'spiritual home of football ' is playing host to the World Cup . The sport has played a powerful role in shaping the Brazilian national identity . The national team mirror many of the key issues in Brazilian society . Brazil was founded as an independent nation by slaves, and it's been ruled for almost 200 years by military dictators who have used their power to oppress people.
The so-called 'spiritual home of football ' is playing host to the World Cup . The sport has played a powerful role in shaping the Brazilian national identity . The national team mirror many of the key issues in Brazilian society . Brazil was founded as an independent nation by slaves, and it's been ruled for almost 200 years by military dictators who have used their power to oppress people.