All eyes on Brazil

After so much talk about delays, protests and problems, fans will at last get a chance to cheer for Brazil's national team on home soil in Sao Paulo in football's 2014 FIFA World Cup opening game. Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city in Brazil, will host a succession of matches including the final match of the World Cup. We put together this set of images that underline Rio's sweeping beauty, from glowing amber sunsets to poignant moments found in our historic photo archive. 

WWII South America Central America West Indies Brazil U.S.

Such Brazilian Beauties as these who helped make the Casino De Urea one of the most popular night spots in Rio De Janeiro Dec. 24, 1942 are feeling the heavy blow of war. A rough blow to the playboys and girls of Rio was the announcement that all of Rioís three big casinos would be closed for two months, beginning on March 1. Pretty girl in front, center, is Linda Baptista, present Rioís rival to Carmen Miranda and star of the gala show. (AP Photo)

Samba Dancing Brazilians

Samba dancing Brazilians celebrate Brazilís World soccer championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 17, 1962. (AP Photo)

APTOPIX Brazil Heat

People refresh from high temperatures at Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Jan. 28, 2011. The temperature reached 41,4 degrees Celsius in the hottest day of the summer so far in Rio de Janeiro. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Brazil WCup 2014 Hotel Prices

Tourists sit in a bar at a hotel overlooking Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 16, 2013. Brazilís tourist office wants to significantly lower rates that will be up to 500 percent more expensive during the World Cup at hotels used by MATCH, the company chosen to provide accommodation services to FIFA during the soccer tournament in 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Brazil Travel Trip 5 Free Things Rio

This Sept. 7, 2012 photo shows Praia Vermelha, or 'Red beach' at the foot of the Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio boasts some of the world's most stunning urban beaches and they're worth several visits. Cariocas spend much of their free time sunning themselves, chatting up neighbors, toning their muscles and then showing them off on these long stretches of white sand, so beach-going makes for great people-watching. Go to Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon or Praia Vermelha, at the foot of the Sugarloaf Mountain, if you want to stay in the city. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

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Lead Image Caption: A boy and a girl sit on a rooftop at the Dona Marta slum, overlooking the Botafogo neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, June 6, 2014. The 2014 Brazil World Cup is set to begin in a few days, with Brazil and Croatia competing in the opening match on June 12. (AP Photo/Enric Marti) 

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