Winners of the World Cup contest held by The Straits Times in partnership with Komoco Motors will have a veteran of eight tournaments to accompany them.

Former ST and The New Paper football writer Jeffrey Low, who has over 30 years of experience in journalism, said the contest winners heading to Brazil are in for a treat in the carnival-mad country.

Now a spokesman for Komoco, Low, 67, said: "It will be unmatchable in terms of the World Cup, as Brazil is the spiritual home of the Beautiful Game and besides watching samba football, fans will be able to experience the joy and samba on the streets."

Two readers will win this golden opportunity for an all-expenses-paid, three-match experience worth $25,000 each to the football extravaganza.

The tie-up with Komoco is part of the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) programme, an ongoing effort to reach out to readers and the community.

Komoco Motors is the sole distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Singapore. Hyundai is an official World Cup sponsor.

The two readers will be watching three matches, including two round-of-16 games, one of which is held at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, and the other at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia. The other game is a quarter-final at the Maracana.

Other than the matches, winners will also get to enjoy sightseeing tours during the 12-day trip.

Readers who have not submitted their entries will have until 11.59pm, May 10, to do so, and the winners will be announced on Wednesday and must be able to travel from June 25 to July 7. Other than the two top prizes, 10 World Cup goodie bags will also be up for grabs.

To participate in the contest, readers should submit a video or a picture, together with a short essay (no more than 100 words) on why they should be picked. Entries should be e-mailed to stsportscontest@sph.com.sg.