A Good Week for ... , June 15, 2014

The soccer World Cup finally got under way in Brazil after seven years of preparations and US$14 billion in government expenditure. There were construction delays, strikes and protests by those who thought the money would have been better spent on social services and lifting the poor out of poverty. There was a colourful opening ceremony in Sao Paulo before the first match began. It was Brazil against Croatia, which the hosts won 3-1 - the ideal start for the country.

They - or some of them - may not be happy with the Thai military ousting the elected government, but they must be pleased that the junta reached a deal to allow all 64 World Cup matches to be broadcast live on free TV. But it will cost the military junta money. It will pay the exclusive rights holder, RS International Broadcasting, 427 million baht (HK$102 million) in compensation for taking over the right to show matches. The move was part of the military government's goal "to return happiness to the Thai people". Fans will certainly be happy to watch the matches free of charge.