TAKE A LOOK-Countdown to 2014 World Cup in Brazil
May 3 (Reuters) - Brazil, the only nation to win the World Cup five times, is hosting the tournament for the first time since 1950 this summer. Preparations for the sporting event have been marred by delays, cost overruns, construction accidents and protests, but the focus is now starting to shift to football with the opening game between hosts Brazil and Croatia in Sao Paulo set for June 12. Rio will host the final on July 13. Click on the links below to see the latest stories on the World Cup: LATEST NEWS >Marcos backs Julio Cesar to play a key role for Brazil >Paulinho has all the qualities to shine at World Cup: Clodoaldo >Chile keeper cleared for World Cup after dodging jail >Belgium coach names Kompany, Hazard among core squad >England boss Hodgson unimpressed by late form >Hodgson knows his England World Cup squad >Belgium to include Januzaj in World Cup warm-up squad >Scolari says has chosen Brazil's World Cup squad >Be optimistic about Brazil, says Blatter >Uruguay not among world's elite, says coach ANALYSIS >Brazil expects and hopes to kill off ghost of 1950 >Spain's dominance faces ultimate test in Brazil >Only the title matters for success-starved Germany >Argentina's 'Fab Four' key to team's success >Erratic France slowly rediscover pedigree >Italy a threat despite ageing players, mavericks >England head to Brazil relying on youngsters and luck >Netherlands face early reminder of bitter disappointment INTERVIEWS >Good ambiance crucial to get best from Messi: Sabella >Deco tips Scolari's Brazil for World Cup glory WORLD CUP HISTORY >History of the World Cup from 1930-1950 >History of the World Cup from 1954-1966 >History of the World Cup from 1970-1982 >History of the World Cup from 1986-1998 >History of the World Cup from 2002-2014 FACTBOXES >Timeline of deaths, accidents at Brazil's World Cup stadiums >Latest World Cup betting (Compiled by Peter Rutherford in SEOUL)
