Brazil's hosting woes

Note:
- statistics for staging the World Cup 2014 and Olympics 2016 (Brazil is the host for both events)
- possible points to be gleaned from article:
1) negative international image cultivated, contrary to aim
2) instead of galvanizing and unifying entire nation, it leads to protests
3) money could be better allocated to more pressing needs instead of lavish sporting facilities that are likely to fall into disuse after the Games
4) corruption

Qns:
1. To what extent should the government listen to its people?
2. Hosting major sporting events creates more problems than benefits. Do you agree? (2005)
3. Does sport merit the vast sums of money that are spent on it? (2010)