Issue #37 - 4 JUL 2014 Neymar:

Carrying the hopes of a nation Not for the first time, the hopes of Brazilian football fans rest squarely on the shoulders of their No. 10. At this World Cup, 22-year-old Neymar has triggered all-out hysteria in the land of A Seleção. Thomas Renggli spoke to the residents of Rio de Janeiro in an attempt to understand the Neymar phenomenon.

The mythical Maracana Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracana has been the setting for many historic footballing occasions. Alan Schweingruber visited the storied venue of this year’s World Cup Final on 13 July and discovered just how evocative a stadium can be.

20 years without Escobar Colombia’s Andres Escobar was shot dead in a bar in Medellin after scoring an own goal at the 1994 World Cup. Twenty years on, his siblings have travelled to Brazil to support the Colombian team and send out a positive message.

Germany Die Mannschaft travelled to Brazil believing they could rely on their Spanish-inspired brand of quick-passing football – but things turned out differently. Now Joachim Low’s side are seeking a new path.

Baffoe’s promise This week’s Turning Point tells the story of a premature farewell and a discussion of life, family and great ambitions. As his father lay on his deathbed, Anthony Baffoe promised him: “One day, I’ll play for Ghana,” and on 13 January 1991 he made his first appearance for his national side.

Articles by Fifa.com I did't make these