Blatter slams Brazil WC preparations

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Fifa president Sepp Blatter has slammed the pace of Brazil's preparations for this year's World Cup, taking place from June 12 to July 13.

The tournament hosts failed to meet several Fifa deadlines for venues - including the Sao Paulo Stadium where two workers died in November - prompting Blatter's disapproval.

"Brazil has now come to realise that they started too late," Blatter was quoted as saying by 24 heures.

"They are the country who are the most delayed in terms of World Cup organisation since I have been at Fifa, even though they had such a long time [seven years] to prepare."

Last year's Confederations Cup was marred by civilian protests against the costs of the World Cup, amongst other grievances.

Blatter, however, feels it is unlikely Fifa's flagship event will be targeted in a similar fashion.

"I am an optimist, not a pessimist. Football will be protected," he said. "I believe that Brazilians will not attack football directly. This is the sport's home, it's a religion.

"But we know there will be new demonstrations, protests. Last year, they were born of social networks. There was no goal, but at the World Cup they will be more directed, more structured."

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