Normally,  Brazil shuts down when the national soccer team is playing a World Cup game, especially if the locals are playing at home!  However, a lot of people in Brazil will be keeping an eye on the protests this summer.

We saw more across the country, as reported by The Washington Post:

"Protests and strikes gripped several World Cup host cities Thursday as unrest spread less than a month before the soccer tournament begins. 

About 1,000 people gathered for a World Cup demonstration in central Rio, playing musical instruments and holding up afternoon rush-hour traffic as hundreds of riot police stood by. By early evening, the number of protesters had more than doubled as striking teachers and university administration workers joined in. 

“We are against the cup for the spending and for forgetting health and education,” said striking teacher Eduardo Douglas. 

A 48-hour bus strike in the city — the second in a week — ended Wednesday night, but a strike by security guards entered its 21st day. 

“The World Cup here in Brazil is the worst thing in the world for workers,” said Umberto Rocha, a director of a union for Rio security guards, speaking at a meeting. “They are investing in stadiums and forgetting the people.”"

Investing in stadia? Yes, but some won't be ready!  The government is already giving up on unfinished projects, according to news reports.

The games will happen and Brazil is the favorite to win, especially at home.

However, The World Cup proves that it takes more to run an event than a love of soccer, or "futbol."  It also takes efficiency and a less bureaucratic government.

Finally, Brazil is lucky that they are holding the World Cup first and the Olympics in 2016.  The Olympics will be a much more complicated task, with a lot more countries, athletes and visitors.

P. S. You can hear CANTO TALK here & follow me on Twitter @ scantojr.