By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Brazil was awarded the 2014 World Cup on Tuesday, the first time since 1950 that the privilege has been bestowed on the country that calls itself "the land of the football boot."
Brazil, which has won the World Cup a record five times, was the only candidate.
"The executive committee has decided unanimously to give the responsibility, not only the right, but the responsibility to organize FIFA's World Cup 2014 to the country Brazil," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said.
Blatter then handed the World Cup trophy to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who flew in for the event.
"Soccer is not only a sport for us. It's more than that," Silva said. "Soccer for us is a passion, a national passion.