World Cup 2014: Will Brazil be ready?
Posted in 2016 Olympics, Random Musings, Rio de Janeiro, World Cup 2014 on 14. Jul, 2010
Hi all,
World Cup 2010 has hardly finished, the Spaniards are probably still hung over, and already doubts are being raised about whether Brazil will be ready for the next World Cup in 2014.
There is a lot at stake here, beyond the obvious wheelbarrows of money. Pride figures in every bit as much.
The Brazilian psyche is an interesting thing. There is here, justifiably, a lot of national pride. Brazil has a unique culture, a melange of many. Brazil is, as the government’s slogan says: “A country of all.” Brazil is a land of incredible beauty, with a people who overall are friendly, welcoming, and optimistic.
A the same time, Brazilians often express a humbleness which sometimes borders on embarrassment. Brazil and the US have parallel stories in many respects. Both were founded just over 500 years ago, and grew into huge countries composed of many diverse peoples. Yet the US has been a world power for a 100 years. Brazil is only now emerging to take a role in world affairs.
Brazilians have an ambivalence towards the US, often (and often with reason) resenting US policies and the wealth and attitudes of visiting American tourists; at the same time, many Brazilians would love nothing more than to move to the US. When Brazilians have money to travel, they are more likely to visit Orlando or New York than the Amazon.
Brazil has now, belatedly, begun to figure in the world. Ok, you have to question rubbing elbows with fanatical Iranian and Venezuelan leaders, but Brazil is sort of like a rebellious teenager, wanting to make his voice heard – while still finding that voice.
It is right that Brazil have a voice in world affairs. Brazil is fully half of South America, whether you measure by territory, population, or economy. It is the big dog down here. It is the B in BRIC.
If you were not here, it is difficult to imagine the jubilation and pride which Brazilians felt when it was announced that they would host the 2014 World Cup.
But in private conversations, Brazilians, at least the Cariocas I mix with every day, are less than certain that Brazil will be ready. There is a tremendous amount of work to do.
Yesterday, Brazil’s President Lula lashed out at FIFA Secretary-General Jérôme Valcke for questioning whether Brazil would be ready – even though TCU, the Brazilian budget watchdog, has also expressed concerns. As reported in O Estado (The State) and picked up by Reuters:
An apparent lack of planning and mounting execution problems could lead the Brazilian government to assume unfinished works and other unforeseen risks, Estado reported, citing TCU Councillor Valmir Campelo.
The “execution problems” are largely ones of infrastructure. Roads, stadiums, airports, and train lines need to be enhanced or built from scratch. These are not inconsequential projects.
So many eyes will be on Brazil…
…and Rio will host the Olympic Games in 2016.
Optimism is an admirable quality, but it needs to be backed up with action.
See you Friday with a Friday Postcard.
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The doubters I think are required to motivate those in charge to get their finger out. I remember similar sentiments about South Africa about 2-3 years before this year’s event. The same sort of pressure was eveident here in the Uk about the Olympics arrangements. I suspect you will hear the same after the World Cup in Brazil. It is quite a task having both events so close together but where national pride is at stake, as proved in South Africa, lots of resources will eventually brought to bear.
Hi Ben, I hope that you are right and that national pride steps in to make things happen. I love Brazil, but organization and forward planning are not its strengths.
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