As Brazil readies itself to host its first FIFA World Cup in 64 years, the tournament is viewed as a burden on a nation that has failed to provide basic amenities to many of its citizens. The $1.1-billion budget for the stadium has been exceeded by at least 1000 per cent, not to forget the inordinate expenditure on security and infrastructure. The delay in preparation was exacerbated by the absence of World Cup-related legislation until June 2012; the previous host, South Africa, had passed the bill four years in advance while the 2018 host, Russia, approved it last year. FIFA has attracted criticism as well for allowing former Brazilian Football Confederation president Ricardo Teixeira, previously accused in major corruption cases, to take charge of the Local Organising Committee. Indeed, the Brazilian government itself found Mr. Teixeira guilty of creating an “administrative disaster”. The disaffection with the tournament reached its highest point during last year’s Confederations Cup when an increase in bus fares prompted large-scale protests that demanded “FIFA-quality” facilities for all. The subsequent repression by the military and the police evoked the trauma of the dictatorship that severely affected the majority of Brazil’s current middle-aged population. While many, including FIFA president Sepp Blatter, have derided the protesters for taking advantage of the excessive media glare on the country, it is necessary to address their sense of alienation.
Indeed, a successful tournament may work as “the opium of the people.” Though the social problems will not be forgotten, a Brazil win would exorcise the pain of its loss at home in the 1950 World Cup. Under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who had led the team to its last title in 2002, the host has developed into an exceptionally balanced side with Neymar as its star forward. But the shadow of the defending champion, Spain, lurks ominously, considering that it has also won consecutive European Championship titles. Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina will benefit from a dominant line of attackers and familiarity of playing conditions. Germany is boosted by its bounteous midfield talent, but the lack of a specialist forward may prove to be its undoing. In a break from tradition, Italy will be one of the most exciting teams to watch considering its strategic versatility. The previous edition’s runner-up, the Netherlands, as also France and England, are expected to pose a serious challenge. Chile and Belgium are viewed as the likely underdogs, but discount Bosnia-Herzegovina and Japan only at your own peril. Meanwhile, connoisseurs of the game everywhere will be expecting high-quality football, and hoping that the chaos that preceded the build-up to the event does not cast a shadow on football’s quadrennial showpiece.