Brazil is not just hosting the World Cup this year, but also preparing for a presidential election, this October. And the World Cup result might have an influence on the outcome of that contest. Stephen Gibbs sent this report from Rio de Janeiro.

Currently in Brazil the connection between football and politics is perhaps the closest. Brazilians are amongst the world’s most enthusiastic supporters of the game. And since 1994, Presidential elections have been held just after the World Cup. For President Rousseff, who is facing re-election in October, the fact that Brazil is hosting the tournament this year has been a mixed blessing. The enormous cost of the games was one catalyst for protests last June, which saw her presidential popularity plummet 27 percentage points, in the space of three weeks. But now the tournament has started, and so far has been a success, the President may well be able to capitalize on a national feel good factor.

It was on the day after the World Cup began that this man, senator Aecio Neves, currently Dilma Rousseff’s most significant political opponent announced on that he was running for president.
The forthcoming political contest could depend on what happens on the pitch.

Brazil’s squad can count on passionate support from across this country every time it plays. But perhaps the loudest cheers will be coming from the government. Stephen Gibbs, CCTV, Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil's two contests: football & presidential

Stephen Gibbs reports from Rio de Janeiro on the affect of the World Cup on Brazil's politics. Brazil is not just hosting the World Cup this year, but also preparing for a presidential election, this October. And the World Cup result might have an influence on the outcome of that contest.

CCTV talked to Paulo Cabral about the hot bed of protests as well as the celebrations in Sao Paulo.

World Cup 2014: protests give way to celebrations

CCTV talked to Paulo Cabral about the hot bed of protests as well as the celebrations in Sao Paulo.

In Rio de Janeiro, fans are still coming to grips with the fact that the defending champions are finished in the tournament, having scored just one goal across two games. Joel Richards reports on the fallout.

World Cup 2014: Spain eliminated before third match

In Rio de Janeiro, fans are still coming to grips with the fact that the defending champions are finished in the tournament, having scored just one goal across two games. Joel Richards reports on the fallout.