As the nation prepares for the start of the 2014 World Cup, BBC Sport is to broadcast a special documentary on the world’s fascination with Brazil and the beautiful game.
Presented by England football legend Gary Lineker, who will be anchoring the BBC’s World Cup coverage from Rio de Janeiro, ‘Lineker In Brazil: The Beautiful Game’ will set the scene for four weeks of pulsating international football in the country many fans cite as the spiritual home of the sport.
Lineker meets Brazilian striking legend Ronaldo for a frank and illuminating insight into the pleasure and pain of playing for Brazil and there are revealing interviews with key figures including 1994 World Cup-winning player Leonardo.
Features rarely-seen archive footage, the programme will relive great moments in World Cup history and with help from Brazilian model and television host Fernanda Lima, explores the roots and romance of Brazil and the beautiful game.
There will also be a focus on the impact of legendary Brazilian forward Pele, with his gifts, global appeal and role in cementing Brazil and Brazilian football firmly in the hearts and minds of the world.
Renowned travel writer and presenter Michael Palin offers his unique perspective on why Brazil is loved so much by visitors and football fans.
There are also contributions throughout the one-hour documentary from former England players Rio Ferdinand, John Barnes and Michael Owen.
This documentary follows on from the special film broadcast on BBC One featuring David Beckham. Into The Unknown saw the former England captain fly over 5,000 miles from his home in London to South America to experience the ‘real Brazil’.
In addition to these World Cup-related films, Lineker and the BBC Sport team in Rio de Janeiro will also set the scene ahead of the 20th FIFA World Cup in Brazil the following night with a special Match of the Day preview show.
With the 2014 World Cup almost upon us, the presenter is joined by former England captains Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer in Brazil to look ahead to the tournament.
Host nation Brazil get the action underway on the first day against Croatia and they will be among the leading contenders to take home the coveted trophy for a record fifth time.
Reigning World and European Champions Spain and three-time winners Germany will also be among the favourites, however no European team has ever won a World Cup in South America.
Roy Hodgson has named a youthful England squad and the panel will assess their challenge, which begins against Italy in the sweltering heat of Manaus, followed by group games with Uruguay and Costa Rica.
All 64 games from the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil will be broadcast live and on free-to-air television by the BBC and ITV, starting on June 12 with the opening ceremony followed by Brazil v Croatia on ITV, while the BBC’s first live games comes the next day with Spain v Netherlands.
WORLD CUP 2014 ON THE BOX – SOTB’S TV GUIDE
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Tuesday 10th June
Lineker in Brazil: The Beautiful Game
10.35pm-11.35pm BBC One
(11.05pm in Northern Ireland & 11.35pm in Scotland)
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Wednesday 11th June
MOTD Live: World Cup Preview
10.35pm-11.25pm BBC One
(11.05pm in Scotland & Wales)
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