FIFA president Sepp Blatter has praised Brazil for their for their cultural and economic development and has backed them to deliver when they host the Confederations Cup in 2013.
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The South American nation will welcome the likes of Spain, Uruguay and Italy to their shores for the eight-team tournament next June, which is a warm-up for the World Cup finals the following summer.
Blatter is confident that Brazil will prove to be excellent hosts of both competitions, despite criticism of their efforts to be ready for the showpiece event in 2014.
He told reporters: “A lot has changed in this country since 1950 [the last time Brazil hosted the tournament].
“Now, Brazil has developed – not only in their culture but also in their economy. We are very happy to be in a country which is the sixth economy in the world. It is a question of trust and confidence."
The Swiss football chief then assured Brazil president Dilma Rousseff that “Fifa is behind you".
Blatter added: “I am sure you will deliver a wonderful competition – the Confederations Cup first, for the game, for the world, for Brazil."
