Summary: In this edition of the show we take an in-depth look at the host nation in the aftermath of a second massive disappointment on the world stage where politics, social fabric and football itself will be on examination as the nation seeks to reassess with an election bisecting what will be an unprecedented move to host the Summer Olympics in 2016. First up is author and educator Jules Boykoff, who teaches political science at Pacific University and delivers a deep dive level of insight into the culture of mega-sporting events that involve the IOC and FIFA, where we examine the reality on the ground in Brazil and what we have learned about the protest movement and how it was met by massive enforcement personnel after the 2013 Confederations Cup. We discuss the politics and methods used by FIFA which ensured further enrichment through targeted efforts to campaign for legal reform and how this World Cup could influence further mega-events as the host nations become more and more autocratic and football governance resists transparency and calls for reform. Also covered is the unresolved issues of dissidence as Brazil heads for an election in October and what the future could present the Brazilian people and its government come 2016. In part two, TV Globo commentator Bira Brasil joins us from São Paulo to dig into the many questions already being directed at the CBF now that Felipe Scolari has resigned and much soul searching will now ensue as a result of expectations that were not met by the national team after two harsh defeats to round out the tournament. We examine whether there is a level of political will to reform, whether Brazil will continue to resist foreign managers and ideas to resurrect its style and image as football power, and if Tite is the right fit for a Seleção Brasileira that has taken a serious hit around the world in terms of its reputation. We discuss what Brazil could do to address its lengthy domestic season, what it should do politically to put its youth into focus, and how the national team could be shaped heading for Copa America and the Olympic games in 2016.
