FIFA: Ronaldo embarrassed by chaotic build up but expects Brazil to deliver World Cup glory, world cup 2014

Posted by : Unknown Sunday, May 25, 2014

FIFA: Ronaldo embarrassed by chaotic build up but expects Brazil to deliver World Cup glory, world cup 2014

The hosts have struggled to build stadiums on time and proposed airports, bus lanes, and metro lines have been either cancelled or scaled down
Ronaldo said Brazil has always faced problems of 'corruption' and he lamented the late delivery of stadiums, three of which are still not ready

The hosts have struggled to build stadiums on time and many of the promised infrastructure projects such as airports, bus lanes, and metro lines have been either cancelled or scaled down.

Ronaldo, who as a member of the Local Organising Committee is one of the most visible backers of soccer's world governing body FIFA and the Brazilian government, said Brazil has always faced problems of 'corruption, embezzlement, overcharging' and he lamented the late delivery of stadiums, three of which are still not ready.

'In 2007 when they decided that the World Cup would be in Brazil, President Lula signed everything and agreed to everything and then they get here and there's this bureaucracy, total confusion and lateness,' Ronaldo said.

'It's a shame. I am embarrassed, this is my country and I love it and we shouldn't be transmitting this image abroad,' he added.

'But we mustn't forget that Brazil wasn't perfect before the World Cup. It was the same or worse.'

The former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker is betting on Brazil to win the competition, with Germany his second favourites, followed closely by Argentina and Spain.

Brazil are on a rich run of form and have won 13 of their last 14 encounters, including the five games that won them the Confederations Cup last year.

However, no side has ever won the World Cup a year after lifting the Confederations trophy and there is also the little matter of pressure. Local fans are desperate for a home win and yet only six players in Luiz Felipe Scolari's 23-man squad have been to a World Cup before.