The Sunday News
Sao Paulo — Embarrassed about his country’s inability to complete the promised infrastructure ahead of next month’s World Cup, Brazil’s great Ronaldo believes the hosts will get it right on the pitch and win the tournament for a record sixth time. Brazil will stage the World Cup in June and July for the first time since 1950 and are favourites to lift the trophy at the Maracana stadium on July 13.
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 is 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.
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.
Ronaldo, 37, said the players were experienced enough for the big occasion and will be well prepared by Scolari — the man who led Brazil to their last title triumph in 2002, with the help of two goals from Ronaldo in the final.
The first match against Croatia on June 12 could set the tone for the tournament, he said.
“The first game in the World Cup, in Brazil, the first match for many players, it is going to be very important and it could determine the team’s future,” he said.
