SPECIAL REPORT: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Brazil divided about hosting hosting 2014 World Cup

As FIFA prepares to announce Brazil as host of 2014 World Cup, the nation which won the trophy for a record five times stand divided. On the eve of FIFA's announcement of whether Brazil will be awarded the 2014 World Cup, Brazilians stand divided on whether the awarding of the competition will be a blessing - or a curse. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the governors of 11 states will be present in Switzerland on Tuesday (October 30) for the official announcement. While the country's tropical weather and beautiful beaches may be very appealing, urban violence and corruption remain as chief concerns. Brazil, known globally for its soccer stars that range from Pele to Ronaldinho, is also famous for being the world's only five-time champion squad. The passion for the sport may be seen everywhere, even on a Monday morning at the beach. Wearing a bright yellow wig and a Brazil jersey, entertainer Juvenal da Silva said he was counting on Brazil being the 2014 host. "I have a lot of faith that we and Brazil will win because Brazil is unique," he said while playing his guitar. Lilian Castro had a different opinion and said Brazil was not ready for such an event. "If there is some preparation (the World Cup may work out) because the way it is, it will be very hard, very hard. There's a lot of violence and we lack many things," she said. Brazil is the only country bidding to host the tournament, which is due to be staged in South American under FIFA's rotation system. Brazil's former coach Mario Zagallo, who won the World Cup as a player in 1958 and 1962, coach in 1970 and assistant coach in 1994, believes the country has enough time to get ready. "In seven years Brazil will have new stadiums, we will fix those which need to be fixed, and it (Brazil) is the only candidate. FIFA has been here, they (FIFA delegates) have been to the North East and saw it is possible to be done. I have no doubt the 2014 World Cup will be in Brazil," he said. The football federations of the other nine South American nations agreed to back Brazil as their only candidate in 2003.

ITN Source | October 30, 2007

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