Final countdown to World Cup under way

It is now less than nine days until the soccer World Cup begins in Germany.

Thousands of fans are now descending on the country for the four-yearly festival of football which will be watched by billions around the world.

Though the All Whites did not qualify for the finals, they take on favourites Brazil in a warm-up match on Monday NZ time.

* For full coverage of the buildup and throughout the tournament bookmark nzherald.co.nz/worldcup