Eyes from around the world are focused on Brazil for the next few weeks, but to many Brazilians, it is for the wrong reason.
Billions of dollars have been used in preparations for the World Cup, but many Brazilians feel the money should have been used to improve the quality of life for citizens of the country.
They have not been afraid to make their voices heard, as violent protests started in 2012 have continued during the event.
Brazilian Olympian and former Auburn swimmer Marcelo Chierighini feels the issues should get more attention in the media.
"We have so many problems in Brazil," Chierighini said. "We don't have good education, we don't have hospitals, we don't have security. We don't have any of this stuff, but we have stadiums that cost billions of dollars to make, so it doesn't make any sense."
Growing up in Sao Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, the 2013 SEC Male Swimmer of the Year has experienced the difficulties of living in such conditions.
"Sao Paulo has problems because the city grew so fast," Chierighini said. "The government didn't plan, so we don't have infrastructure. The streets, for example, are all messed up. There are holes in the street, the public transportation is awful, and the traffic is really, really bad."
The lack of improvement in Brazilian society does not completely stem from the World Cup though.
According to the 19-time SEC Champion, Brazil has the money for improvement, but corrupt officials make it difficult, including President Dilma Rousseff.
"I think Brazil is a rich country, but the problem is the corruption," Chierighini said.
The leadership of the Brazil Student Association (BSA) at Auburn University is also divided about how their home country will handle hosting the World Cup.
"I'm not worried at all," said Philipe Aldahir, president of the BSA. "Our national team aren't politicians. We are supporting soccer."
But Luana De Sena Monteiro Ozelim, vice president of the BSA, had his worries about the event.
"I was there two weeks ago, and I had noticed that half of my friends were worried about the politics," Ozelim said. "They just spent millions of dollars in building stadiums everywhere, including in Manaus, where people want money for healthcare and education."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
