By now, the eyes of most sports fans have turned to Brazil and the World Cup that kicks off in Sao Paulo on June 12. But while viewers look forward to seeing the world’s greatest soccer players pitted against one another, Brazilians have been protesting the billions of dollars that have been poured into stadium development and construction while millions of them continue to live in extreme poverty. This discrepancy, coupled with similar criticisms of the country’s preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, dampens the rest of the world’s excitement for both international sporting events. The Nation’s Dave Zirin explores Rio’s favelas and its mammoth stadiums in his new book, Brazil’s Dance with the Devil: The World Cup, the Olympics, and the Fight for Democracy. And while class injustices cast a shadow over the cup, there’s still enough national pride going aound to make the matches enjoyable. Dave Zirin reads at 6:30 p.m. at Busboys and Poets 14th & V, 2021 14th St. NW. Free. (202) 387-7638. busboysandpoets.com.