Brazil ready to welcome the world

2014 FIFA World Cup Local Oganising Committee Member and World Cup legend Ronaldo, has on the occasion of the organising committee's 100-day countdown to the 2014 World Cup finals said Brazil is ready and can't wait to host the world in a little over three months time.

In a 100-day countdown article made available to individual sports reporters by the Brazilian Consulate in New York, Ronaldo, 37, could not hide his deep excitement for his country's eagerness and readiness to stage a wonderful, unforgettable World Cup come June and July and give all visitors a truly happy, memorable time.

"Only 100 days. It is hard to believe it's so close. It seems like yesterday that Brazil was confirmed as the 2014 FIFA World Cup host," the two-time World Cup winner wrote. 

"The World Cup will be a kind of "final" for Brazil, in terms of the country establishing itself on the global stage. The spotlight will be on us, and it's a great chance to show the world just what's so special about Brazil and the Brazilian people."

 Ronaldo, the World Cup all-time top scorer who got both goals as Brazil beat Germany 2-0 to win their fifth World Cup in 2002, has told fans to prepare for a beautiful experience of Brazil. 

"Brazil is such a colourful country, blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. Tourists that come here for the World Cup should prepare themselves for an unforgettable experience. 

"Whether it is from visiting the beaches of the northeast, witnessing the vastness of the Amazon River, or taking in the dazzling blend of oceans and mountains that make Rio de Janeiro such a special place, every visitor will take home a treasured personal memory.

"Brazil is a place of great happiness and joy, and we will welcome World Cup visitors with open arms," added the man who opened the scoring in Brazil's 3-0 win against Ghana in 2006 for his last World Cup goal.

 Ronaldo, the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, who is possibly the greatest striker football has ever seen, says that Brazil have worked hard and will do more to ensure they deliver a great spectacle with just over three months to go.

  "Until then (World Cup), we must keep working. As a 2014 FIFA World Cup Local Oganising Committee Management Board Member, I have been lucky enough to observe up close the dedication and skill of workers who are helping to construct this unique event. In all 12 host cities, I have witnessed the commitment of the thousands of people who are striving to create the best World Cup possible."

 He added:"We faced some tough tests during the preparations but last year we hosted the best FIFA Confederations Cup in history. That's not just my opinion, but also that of fans, journalists, and even FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

One big problem that has dogged Brazil's preparations is stadium delays but Ronaldo has assured that everything is on course for all stadiums to be ready ahead of the kick-off on June 12. 

 "Now we're really on the home stretch. Since the beginning of the year, two new stadiums have opened. They are beautiful, just like the Arena Amazonas, the Arena da Baixada, the Arena Pantanal and the Arena Corinthians, which are almost ready. By the time the World Cup begins, all the stadiums will have carried out test events. 

With the time fast approaching, Ronaldo says he cannot wait to see the likes of Lionel Messi and co in action on his home soil. 

"There is not much time left for now until the tournament begins and the greatest players on the planet go head to head. Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Iniesta, Neymar, etc. I can't wait. I'll be expecting to see you in Brazil. See you at the World Cup."