Soccer and samba - a heavenly match

Soccer and samba are the two passions which dominate the Brazilian soul, entwined as in a marriage.

In just more than three months' time it will be Brazil's soccer stars who take the stage for a first home World Cup since 1950.

But first, Rio de Janeiro and much of the rest of the country will sway this weekend to a samba rhythm as the non-stop beat of Carnival affords the populace a pre-Cup chance to have a ball.