They delay televised football matches in Brazil and have even brought forward prayer meetings where they are watched abroad.

One of the most widely read authors of recent times, Brazilian-born novelist Paulo Coelho talks exclusively to CNN about what Brazil means to him.

FINAL -- U.S. 70, Brazil 68 It promised to be the U.S.' toughest test yet --- and it was exactly that. Team USA held on for a two-point victory over Brazil after Leandro Barbosa's desperation attempt under the hoop clanked off the rim at the buzzer.

One person was killed and four police officers were wounded Saturday when police in Brazil traded fire with gunmen who fled into a luxury hotel and took people hostage, police said.

Comedy is being taken too seriously in Brazil, humorists there are saying, in response to a Brazilian law that forbids television and radio broadcasters from making fun of presidential, gubernatorial or congressional candidates in the three months before the election.

Marcelo do Rio stands outside his new Brazilian pizzeria, grinning. The sale of his brewpub chain financed the launch of his new business -- and the purchase of his swank Rio home.

Brazil's president has offered asylum to an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning, state-run media reported Saturday.

Less than a month after the disappointment that accompanies any World Cup not won, Brazil has already put South Africa behind it with the hiring of coach Mano Menezes and the naming of a renewed squad for next month's meeting with the U.S.

With a few quick strokes of a pen this week, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed into law a widely debated measure that aims to end hundreds of years of racial disparity.

Nobody needs a crystal ball to pick out the favorite for World Cup 2014. The tournament is in Brazil ... so need we say more?