The 2014 World Cup in Brazil was a sporting spectacle of epic proportion, with all the planet turning its gaze to soccer's spiritual home as Earth's best players battled for national pride and eternal glory.
But there was drama away from the pitch as well. Activists protested the World Cup's human costs, and the tournament's glitz contrasted harshly with day-to-day life in Brazil as many debated the merits and future of global mega-events.
Expect many of the same themes to repeat next summer as Brazil again becomes the center of the sporting world for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
SEE ALSO: Not just Boston: Why no one wants to host the Olympics anymore
Is Rio ready? Thursday brought some discouraging news after an Associated Press investigation found that, as things stand now, some Olympians will be "swimming and boating in waters so contaminated with human feces that they risk becoming violently ill and unable to compete in the games."
A lot can go right in one year's time. Then again, a lot more can go wrong. How Rio does or doesn't prepare itself for the Olympics between now and next August's opening ceremony is a major story that bears watching over the coming 12 months.
For now, check out 16 recent photos below. They show a Rio de Janeiro that's scrambling to get everything set up in time. It's not simple to throw a party for the whole world. But — ready or not — the guests will start showing up soon.
Fuente: mashable.com
