Brazilian football great Romario once thought his country would hold the best World Cup in history. Not anymore.
After touring the 12 host cities in his role as a congressman, Romario no longer believes Brazil will exceed expectations and stage a flawless World Cup in 2014.
''When it was announced that the World Cup would be in Brazil, we celebrated a lot,'' Romario said in an interview published Monday with the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper. ''I said two things: that not only would Brazil be capable of hosting the World Cup, but that it would be the greatest tournament of all time. I still stand by the first part, but I withdraw the second.
''From what I'm seeing, things are not going to happen. We'll have a World Cup, but unfortunately there will be problems and it's not going to be the best of all time.''
Hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1950, Brazil has been criticized for overspending and delays in several areas, including transportation infrastructure and stadium construction.
The costs of building or renovating numerous stadiums have increased, and as the deadlines get closer there are fears that even more money will be needed despite the World Cup budget having already been doubled.
''From what we are hearing from the host cities, they are not being able to comply with the initial plan because when FIFA makes a recommendation to the local organizing committee, it becomes a requirement,'' Romario said.
Government officials admit there have been delays but say most of the work is on schedule, and promise that everything will ready in time for the monthlong competition three years from now.
Romario also said ''it would be a good idea'' if Brazilian football federation president Ricardo Teixeira left as head of the local organizing committee.
Romario is one of the lawmakers asking Teixeira to explain to Congress about recent allegations of irregularities in the committee. Teixeira and the federation have denied any wrongdoing.
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