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The world's largest, collective celebration of soccer comes to a close this Sunday during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two soccer-crazed continents will face off at the Maracanã Stadium: Europe, represented by Germany, and South America, by Argentina. During the past month, shiny stadiums (which cost the host country 3.6 billion dollars), played host to millions of fans who experienced the gut-wrenching gamut of soccer-spectator emotions -- despair, shock, and elation. Favorites disappointed, underdogs surprised. Careers were made, careers were devastated. Despite the recent fanfare, the world's favorite sport, widely known as football, is celebrated every day around the globe -- without the pomp, the glamor, and sometimes -- without a proper ball. In June 2013, photographer Ian Allen traveled to Mozambique with Charity Ball, an organization that distributes new soccer gear to people living in developing countries. While there he documented the people of the beachside community of Mocimboa da Praia, located on the country's northern coast, as they gathered to play soccer -- if not in grand fashion at least in great numbers. Youths from the port town and surrounding villages play on the trampled grass of makeshift fields and scoring occurs between two wooden posts, often without a net. Many of the children run the field barefoot, dribbling a colorful ball made out of pieces of plastic and string. Here, away from the spotlight and the drama, it's all about the love of the game. Above, a boy playing goalie jumps to block the ball, but misses. This net seen in this photos, brought by Charity Ball, was stolen immediately after the game. Ian Allen
The world's largest, collective celebration of soccer comes to a close this Sunday during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two soccer-crazed continents will face off at the Maracanã Stadium: Europe, represented by Germany, and South America, by Argentina. During the past month, shiny stadiums (which cost the host country 3.6 billion dollars), played host to millions of fans who experienced the gut-wrenching gamut of soccer-spectator emotions -- despair, shock, and elation. Favorites disappointed, underdogs surprised. Careers were made, careers were devastated. Despite the recent fanfare, the world's favorite sport, widely known as football, is celebrated every day around the globe -- without the pomp, the glamor, and sometimes -- without a proper ball. In June 2013, photographer Ian Allen traveled to Mozambique with Charity Ball, an organization that distributes new soccer gear to people living in developing countries. While there he documented the people of the beachside community of Mocimboa da Praia, located on the country's northern coast, as they gathered to play soccer -- if not in grand fashion at least in great numbers. Youths from the port town and surrounding villages play on the trampled grass of makeshift fields and scoring occurs between two wooden posts, often without a net. Many of the children run the field barefoot, dribbling a colorful ball made out of pieces of plastic and string. Here, away from the spotlight and the drama, it's all about the love of the game. Above, a boy playing goalie jumps to block the ball, but misses. This net seen in this photos, brought by Charity Ball, was stolen immediately after the game. Ian Allen
The world's largest, collective celebration of soccer comes to a close this Sunday during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two soccer-crazed continents will face off at the Maracanã Stadium: Europe, represented by Germany, and South America, by Argentina. During the past month, shiny stadiums (which cost the host country 3.6 billion dollars), played host to millions of fans who experienced the gut-wrenching gamut of soccer-spectator emotions -- despair, shock, and elation. Favorites disappointed, underdogs surprised. Careers were made, careers were devastated. Despite the recent fanfare, the world's favorite sport, widely known as football, is celebrated every day around the globe -- without the pomp, the glamor, and sometimes -- without a proper ball.
In June 2013, photographer Ian Allen traveled to Mozambique with Charity Ball, an organization that distributes new soccer gear to people living in developing countries. While there he documented the people of the beachside community of Mocimboa da Praia, located on the country's northern coast, as they gathered to play soccer -- if not in grand fashion at least in great numbers. Youths from the port town and surrounding villages play on the trampled grass of makeshift fields and scoring occurs between two wooden posts, often without a net. Many of the children run the field barefoot, dribbling a colorful ball made out of pieces of plastic and string.Here, away from the spotlight and the drama, it's all about the love of the game.
Above, a boy playing goalie jumps to block the ball, but misses. This net seen in this photos, brought by Charity Ball, was stolen immediately after the game.
Ian Allen
Without access to proper balls, players construct their own, often times using a blown-up condom as the ball's bladder -- the part of the ball filled with air in the center -- and wrapping it with layers of plastic bags, rubber bands, and yarn. Ian Allen
Without access to proper balls, players construct their own, often times using a blown-up condom as the ball's bladder -- the part of the ball filled with air in the center -- and wrapping it with layers of plastic bags, rubber bands, and yarn.
Ian Allen
After school, children are mostly unsupervised. Here a group watches a game from the bleachers of an abandoned sports club. Ian Allen
After school, childrenare mostly unsupervised. Here a group watches a game from the bleachers of an abandoned sports club.
Ian Allen
The players -- who range from 4 to 15 years-old -- unable to afford shoes often play barefoot. In Mozambique, more than 50 percent of the population live on less than 1 dollar a day. Here a teen wearing the Spanish FC Barcelona team's jersey stands on a downtrodden field. Ian Allen
The players -- who range from 4 to 15 years-old -- unable to afford shoes often play barefoot. In Mozambique, more than 50 percent of the population live on less than 1 dollar a day. Here a teen wearing the Spanish FC Barcelona team's jerseystands on a downtrodden field.
Ian Allen
A girl wearing a costume dances during a "warmup" performance before a final game of a local tournament organized by Charity Ball in Mocimboa da Praia. Members of the organization traveled to northern Mozambique handing out over 500 new soccer balls. Ian Allen
A girl wearing a costume dances during a "warmup" performance before a final game of a local tournament organized by Charity Ball in Mocimboa da Praia. Members of the organization traveled to northern Mozambique handing out over 500 new soccer balls.
Ian Allen
Spectators playing their "vuvuzelas," plastic trumpets that were a staple of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Ian Allen
Spectators playing their "vuvuzelas," plastic trumpets that were a staple of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Ian Allen
To the players who devote a considerable amount of time to the construction, these makeshift soccer balls are almost as valuable as the "real" ones. Ian Allen
To the players who devote a considerable amount of time to the construction, these makeshift soccer balls are almost as valuable as the "real" ones.
Ian Allen
Mocimboa da Praia is sprinkled with many soccer fields -- some are more official-looking than others. Above an organized game; the players wear matching jerseys. Ian Allen
Mocimboa da Praia is sprinkled with many soccer fields -- some are more official-looking than others. Above an organized game; the players wear matching jerseys.
Ian Allen
A coach of one of the teams in a local tournament enjoys having his picture taken while friendly spectators make fun of him. Ian Allen
A coach of one of the teams in a local tournament enjoys having his picture taken while friendly spectators make fun of him.
Ian Allen
Mocimboa da Praia, located on a bay of the Indian Ocean, is a fishing town. After the work day, before dusk is when older men come out to play. Ian Allen
Mocimboa da Praia, located on a bay of the Indian Ocean, is a fishing town. After the work day, before dusk is when older men come out to play.
Ian Allen
A crowd of onlookers gather to watch a local tournament. Ian Allen
A crowd of onlookers gather to watch a local tournament.
Ian Allen
When the children here are not chasing their makeshift balls, they play on dilapidated old playgrounds, where the toys are rusting or falling apart. Ian Allen
When the children here are not chasing their makeshift balls, they play on dilapidated old playgrounds, where the toys are rusting or falling apart.
Ian Allen
During these pick-up games, the general rules of play are abandoned. Instead these boys chase the ball en masse, regardless of team. Ian Allen
During these pick-up games, the general rules of play are abandoned. Instead these boys chase the ball en masse, regardless of team.
Ian Allen
Above a young man constructs a ball out of yarn. Ian Allen
Above a young man constructs a ball out of yarn.
Ian Allen
Shoes for sale are displayed along the coast in Mocimboa da Praia. Ian Allen
Shoes for sale are displayed along the coast in Mocimboa da Praia.
Ian Allen
A young man wears his sandals on his arms while he plays to avoid getting them stolen. Ian Allen
A young man wears his sandals on his arms while he plays to avoid getting them stolen.
Ian Allen
Spectators of all ages watch a game during a local tournament. Ian Allen
Spectators of all ages watch a gameduring a local tournament.
Ian Allen
A young man demonstrates his balancing skills. Because sometimes all you need is a ball. Ian Allen
A young man demonstrates his balancing skills. Because sometimes all you need is a ball.
Ian Allen
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The world's largest, collective celebration of soccer comes to a close this Sunday during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two soccer-crazed continents will face off at the Maracanã Stadium: Europe, represented by Germany, and South America, by Argentina. During the past month, shiny stadiums (which cost the host country 3.6 billion dollars), played host to millions of fans who experienced the gut-wrenching gamut of soccer-spectator emotions -- despair, shock, and elation. Favorites disappointed, underdogs surprised. Careers were made, careers were devastated. Despite the recent fanfare, the world's favorite sport, widely known as football, is celebrated every day around the globe -- without the pomp, the glamor, and sometimes -- without a proper ball. In June 2013, photographer Ian Allen traveled to Mozambique with Charity Ball, an organization that distributes new soccer gear to people living in developing countries. While there he documented the people of the beachside community of Mocimboa da Praia, located on the country's northern coast, as they gathered to play soccer -- if not in grand fashion at least in great numbers. Youths from the port town and surrounding villages play on the trampled grass of makeshift fields and scoring occurs between two wooden posts, often without a net. Many of the children run the field barefoot, dribbling a colorful ball made out of pieces of plastic and string. Here, away from the spotlight and the drama, it's all about the love of the game. Above, a boy playing goalie jumps to block the ball, but misses. This net seen in this photos, brought by Charity Ball, was stolen immediately after the game. Ian Allen
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a much-anticipated visit to China after the discovery of a Chinese surveillance balloon flying over U.S. territory. The very public spat over ...Show morealleged spying is just the most recent example of strains in the world’s most important relationship.
Beyond the kerfuffle over the balloon, what are the broader impacts on Washington’s China policy? How much of a setback does the incident represent? What are the global ramifications to watch out for?
Join FP’s Ravi Agrawal for a discussion with Emily S. Weinstein, a research fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, and James Palmer, a deputy editor at Foreign Policy and the author of FP’s weekly China Brief newsletter. FP subscribers can send in their questions in advance.
The world's largest, collective celebration of soccer comes to a close this Sunday during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two soccer-crazed continents will face off at the Maracanã Stadium: Europe, represented by Germany, and South America, by Argentina. During the past month, shiny stadiums (which cost the host country 3.6 billion dollars), played host to millions of fans who experienced the gut-wrenching gamut of soccer-spectator emotions -- despair, shock, and elation. Favorites disappointed, underdogs surprised. Careers were made, careers were devastated. Despite the recent fanfare, the world's favorite sport, widely known as football, is celebrated every day around the globe -- without the pomp, the glamor, and sometimes -- without a proper ball. In June 2013, photographer Ian Allen traveled to Mozambique with Charity Ball, an organization that distributes new soccer gear to people living in developing countries. While there he documented the people of the beachside community of Mocimboa da Praia, located on the country's northern coast, as they gathered to play soccer -- if not in grand fashion at least in great numbers. Youths from the port town and surrounding villages play on the trampled grass of makeshift fields and scoring occurs between two wooden posts, often without a net. Many of the children run the field barefoot, dribbling a colorful ball made out of pieces of plastic and string. Here, away from the spotlight and the drama, it's all about the love of the game. Above, a boy playing goalie jumps to block the ball, but misses. This net seen in this photos, brought by Charity Ball, was stolen immediately after the game. Ian Allen
The new Israeli government is said to be the most far-right, religiously extreme, and ultranationalist coalition in the country’s history, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-ser...Show moreving prime minister.
Is Israel’s democracy really at risk? What would the government’s planned judicial overhaul mean for Israel’s standing, global cooperation, and economic investments? How does the new government complicate matters for U.S. President Joe Biden’s national security strategy?
Join FP’s Dan Ephron in conversation with Amir Tibon, a senior editor and writer at Israel’s Haaretz newspaper. They’ll discuss Israel’s new far-right government, its plans to overhaul and weaken the judiciary, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, and U.S. policy on Israel under President Joe Biden.
The world's largest, collective celebration of soccer comes to a close this Sunday during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two soccer-crazed continents will face off at the Maracanã Stadium: Europe, represented by Germany, and South America, by Argentina. During the past month, shiny stadiums (which cost the host country 3.6 billion dollars), played host to millions of fans who experienced the gut-wrenching gamut of soccer-spectator emotions -- despair, shock, and elation. Favorites disappointed, underdogs surprised. Careers were made, careers were devastated. Despite the recent fanfare, the world's favorite sport, widely known as football, is celebrated every day around the globe -- without the pomp, the glamor, and sometimes -- without a proper ball. In June 2013, photographer Ian Allen traveled to Mozambique with Charity Ball, an organization that distributes new soccer gear to people living in developing countries. While there he documented the people of the beachside community of Mocimboa da Praia, located on the country's northern coast, as they gathered to play soccer -- if not in grand fashion at least in great numbers. Youths from the port town and surrounding villages play on the trampled grass of makeshift fields and scoring occurs between two wooden posts, often without a net. Many of the children run the field barefoot, dribbling a colorful ball made out of pieces of plastic and string. Here, away from the spotlight and the drama, it's all about the love of the game. Above, a boy playing goalie jumps to block the ball, but misses. This net seen in this photos, brought by Charity Ball, was stolen immediately after the game. Ian Allen
Over the last year, the United States has launched dynamic and escalating sanctions to hurt Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies. The moves haven’t prevented Putin from waging...Show more war in Ukraine, but they have severely hurt the Russian economy. Even so, according to a forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Russia’s economy is set to expand by 0.3 percent in 2023, even as a country like the United Kingdom sees its GDP shrink.Does this mean sanctions haven’t worked?
FP’s Ravi Agrawal spoke with two experts on sanctions: Agathe Demarais, global forecasting director at the Economist Intelligence Unit and author of Backfire: How Sanctions Reshape the World Against U.S. Interests; and Nicholas Mulder, an assistant professor of history at Cornell University and author of The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War. FP subscribers can watch or read a condensed version of the interview.
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