World Cup, Olympics | featured news

Rio de Janeiro, which will host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, faces criticism for not doing enough to curb the deadly problem.

They talked about redemption for months on end, and now it's here, the pending denouement of a script fit for Hollywood. With a 4-3 semifinal victory against Canada late in the second period of extra time Monday, the U.S. women's soccer team advanced to play Japan for Olympic gold. The Americans also get a shot at payback for the island nation's victory on penalty kicks in the World Cup last summer.

Brazilian police backed by armored military vehicles have invaded Rio de Janeiro’s biggest slum. Hundreds of black-clad, rifle-armed officers began swarming into the Rocinha shantytown early Sunday. Experts say it’s the most important step yet in bringing security to Rio de Janeiro before it hosts the final matches of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.