Will the World Cup be a Success?

It's less than 100 days until the eagerly awaited FIFA World Cup kicks off. Brazil is the venue this year and the excitement for the trophy is reaching its peak. Most managers will have a rough idea of the squad they want to take to the tournament while every player will be trying to receive the all important plane ticket to Brazil.

However, the Brazilian nation has not been without its controversy and various events over the past year has made an attempt to blemish the anticipated spectacle.

"It had the potential to threaten the lives of the players"

Most recently, the roof at Belo Horinzonte collapsed onto the pitch. This will add to the pre match jitters of the English fans as they face Costa Rica. The stadium is scheduled to hold 3 group stage games including the England match and also a semi final match. While no one was killed in this collapse, it had the potential to threaten the lives of the players, particularly as the roof toppled just hours before a regional championship match was due to be played.

The tropical city of Manaus also hosts an England match. Back in early February, a World Cup worker was killed as he dismantled a crane. In November, it was well documented about the killing of 2 workers after a crane collapsed in the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo. 

"Curitiba is in jeopardy of being removed as a host city"

As we grow closer to the World Cup, the capricious preparations for Brazil has cast some doubts over some FIFA Officials, particularly when the city of Curitiba is in jeopardy of being removed as a host city because of a delay in stadium construction. However, it just goes from bad to worse for Brazil as the poor infrastructure of some of the stadiums is the least they should be worrying about.

Fan trouble has hampered the preparations of the nation and this was evident throughout the Confederations Cup back in June. Brazilians were in uproar over the increased fares of buses and trees. The protests, turned to riots over the high levels of corruption throughout the Brazilian government and police. During the Confederations Cup last year, protests were rife, and the sounds of police weapons were audible throughout the Uruguay vs Nigeria match on June 20th. It is also worth noting that the heavy handed tactics of the police do not help the situation sparked even more riots and violence.

It couldn't possibly get any worse... Could it?

Yes, yes it could. Fans have been warned about a deadly holiday bug named, dengue fever. It has the capacity to kill by producing flu-like symptoms with the more serious leading to internal bleeding. It claims 20,000 lives every year and is expected to peak in at least 3 of the 12 host cities. 

With Brazil in the middle of some major sports projects, anxiety may be creeping into the the minds of the Brazilian population and also the rest of the world, about their ability to stage a major sporting event.

This makes bleak reading for a Brazilian or a World Cup enthusiast, however, personally, I believe that the World Cup will be a resounding success. I hope that the President has the situation in Brazil sorted out in time, but I also feel that the World Cup will galvanise a torn nation, after all, they worship football in that country. As for FIFA, I believe they have bigger worries... 

...Such as why Qatar are allowed to host the 2022 World Cup...