soccer carnival a month away

One month from the start of the World Cup, Brazil is scrambling to get the stage ready while dousing lingering anger at the multi-billion dollar price tag. As championships around the world draw to a close, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are bracing to headline a galaxy of stars at the four-week showpiece which kicks off on June 12 in Sao Paulo. Organisers hope Brazil's opening game against Croatia at the futuristic Corinthians Arena will draw a line under the pre- tournament chaos, allowing soccer to finally take centre-stage.The tournament itself promises to be a classic, with defending champions Spain bidding to make history by becoming the first side from Europe to win a World Cup in South America.