Infrastructure Lags as Brazil Prepares to Host 2014 World Cup

Infrastructure projects are lagging in Brazil, which is causing some to worry that the country won't be ready to host the 2014 World Cup.

1 minute read

April 29, 2011, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


The nationwide tournament will involve many new and renovated stadia, as well as upgrades to the country's airports and public transit systems.

"The ball is in Brazil's court and it's struggling to serve up anything like the stadiums, infrastructure, security and accommodation necessary to meet the needs of such a huge event.

"I must say that in comparison with the state of play between South Africa and Brazil three years before the World Cup, Brazil is behind South Africa," Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, warned last month.

The World Cup is "tomorrow", Blatter added. "The Brazilians think it's just the day after tomorrow. What they must do is to give a little bit more speed now in the organisation.""

Saturday, April 23, 2011 in The National

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