(Sao Paulo) – Fifa president Sepp Blatter has insisted Brazil is ready to host the World Cup, less than a week before football’s showpiece event kicks off in Sao Paulo. Preparations for the June 12-July 13 tournament have been hit by construction delays, budget overruns, protests and strikes.
But speaking to the media, Blatter vowed the country would stage a successful event. “We at Fifa, we are confident, it will be a celebration,” Blatter said, adding that he was not worried about the threat of more protests. ”I’m an optimist,” he said. “After the tournament kicks off I think there will be a better mood.”
The World Cup will begin June 12 when hosts Brazil meet Croatia in their Group A clash at the 70,000-seat Itaquerao stadium.
