It'll be a whole new ball game

Much has changed in four years, but Germany, Brazil still favored

MOSCOW - After raising the World Cup eight miles from Copacabana Beach four years ago, Germany hopes to lift the trophy four miles from the Kremlin on July 15 and become the first repeat champion in over half a century.

The soccer world gathers at 12 stadiums in 11 cities across the European portion of Russia starting on Thursday for a 32-day, 64-match championship.