Brazil say work to do ahead of 2014 World Cup

Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) head Ricardo Teixeira said on Thursday much preparatory work remained to do ahead of the 2014 World Cup in terms of getting venues and transport infrastructure ready.

With this year’s event in South Africa coming to an end with Sunday’s final between Spain and Holland the torch is to pass to the Brazilians, who last hosted the tournament in 1950, when they lost the final at home to Uruguay.

It was only eight years later in Sweden that the Selecao won the first of their five titles to date and this year they lost to the Dutch in the quarters.

Teixeira said at a presentation of the 20th edition that various logistical issues had to be resolved in terms of stadium construction or renovation and transport.

He indicated that in the megalopolis of Sao Paulo, there was no stadium which could host matches as world governing body FIFA has not retained on its prospective venues list the legendary Morumbi in the absence of “financial guarantees” over its renovation.

“There are various doubts about certain stadia for the moment at Sao Paulo, Curitiba, although work has started in some — such as Bahia,” said Teixeira, though he said in general terms the project was on track.

On May 14, FIFA approved seven venue projects at Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Manaus, Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo.

Regarding transport he added that “the problem for 2014 is the airport, the airports and the airports. But contracts have been drawn up and this issue is going to be treated as a priority — and we have developed a public transport plan.”

Teixeira added that security, as in going into this year’s event, would be a key issue.

“But insecurity is a global problem.”

He added: “The 2014 World Cup is very important for Brazil — it is returning to the country of football, a sport about which all Brazilians are passionate.

“The first present a child receives is a football.”

Former Brazil star Romario, a champion in 1994, is doing his bit for the 2014 organisers and said: “I hope it will be a chance to show you the true face of Brazil. You will see what football means to Brazilians. I am sure the atmosphere will be unprecedented.

“We can expect a great fiesta — and I hope we become world champions.”

The draw for the qualifiers will be made on July 30 or 31 2011, Teixeira announced — though he added the venue for that had yet to be chosen.