| Follow us on:
|
![Construction continues at the Arena de Sao Paulo venue for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil [Getty Images]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/brazil-300x200.jpg)
Construction continues at the Arena de Sao Paulo venue for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil [Getty Images]
Rousseff used her Twitter account to counter FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who a day earlier accused Brazil of waiting too long to implement World Cup projects.
“Brazilians start 2014 confident that they are going to host the World Cup of World Cups,” Rousseff said. “In Brazil, the World Cup is going to be at home because this is the home of football.”
Brazil’s World Cup preparations have been hit by construction delays to stadiums, roads, airports and hotels.
Five workers have died at stadium construction sites, including two when a crane collapsed onto a facade at Sao Paulo’s Itaquerao stadium in November.
Nationwide anti-government protests that began during the Confederations Cup in June have continued in several cities.
Rousseff insisted Brasilia will provide safety to tourists throughout the June 12-July 13 event, even in the face of continued demonstrations.
“All who come to Brazil will be well received because we are happy and accommodating,” Rousseff said.
“We love football and for that reason we are proud to be hosts.”
Brazil has created a special riot force to help police control demonstrations expected during the World Cup later this year. 10,000 riot troops selected from state police forces throughout Brazil will be deployed in the 12 cities hosting World Cup games.
The Black Bloc anarchist movement has announced plans for protests of the World Cup, starting with the opening match on June 12 in Sao Paulo.
Source: Agencies
