Four billion TV viewers for Cup

The world's third-biggest sporting event is expected to attract a global television audience of four billion people.

The six-week, 48-match marathon, is only outstripped in size and scale by the Olympics and the soccer World Cup.

Three years after more than 80 nations from five continents kicked off qualifiers, Australia open their title defence against Argentina.

North v South, haves v have-nots, defence v attack; the fifth edition of the tournament is rich in sub-plots - even if only a handful of teams have a realistic chance of victory in the final.

Full World Cup coverage