World Cup 2014: action on and off the field

World Today

World Cup 2014: high hopes after Croatia win

A lot has been said about the action on the field, but there’s also some drama happening off the pitch as well.

There is concern about a staircase used by most fans to get to the Maracana stadium in Rio. Video emerged showing the structure wobbling under the weight of fans at Sunday’s game.

The video was uploaded to a social media site showing fans grabbing handrails to support themselves. Brazil says the staircase has been shored up.

CCTV’s Joel Richards reports from Rio de Janeiro.

World Cup 2014: shored up Maracana stairway

A lot has been said about the action on the field, but there's also some drama happening off the pitch as well. CCTV's Joel Richards reports from Rio de Janeiro.

Before Brazil’s match on Tuesday all the focus of fans was not on the staircase-but rather on the pitch. CCTV’s Ellen Scott reports.

World Cup 2014: high hopes after Croatia win

On paper, Brazil couldn't have hoped for a better start to their World Cup campaign. However, the host country's 3-1 win over Croatia wasn't without controversy: an own goal put the Europeans ahead in the 11th minute before Neymar equalized. Then a bitterly disputed penalty saw the home side take a morale-boosting lead, changing the course of the tournament opener. Brazil hopes for a more convincing performance while taking on Mexico in Fortaleza on Tuesday. CCTV's Ellen Scott reports.

On paper, Brazil couldn’t have hoped for a better start to their World Cup campaign. However, the host country’s 3-1 win over Croatia wasn’t without controversy: an own goal put the Europeans ahead in the 11th minute before Neymar equalized. Then a bitterly disputed penalty saw the home side take a morale-boosting lead, changing the course of the tournament opener. Brazil hopes for a more convincing performance while taking on Mexico in Fortaleza on Tuesday.

They know it won’t be an easy ride. Mexico also celebrated victory in their opening Group A game — beating Cameroon 1-nil. One major advantage for the players is the crowd will be on their side. The atmosphere in Fortaleza is likely to be electric. It’s a game not to be missed for local boy Hulk, who’s battling a hamstring problem and is rated doubtful to start.

Brazil will be looking for the same result as in last year’s Confederations Cup clash, when they saw off Mexico with a 2-nil win at the very same venue. There will be at least one change this year, however, with star striker Neymar sporting a brand new hairstyle.