Brazil President defends worldcup,says country ready

A file photo of Brazilian President

Brasilia:Dilma Roussef the Brazilian president on Tuesday said that her country was ready to host the world cup in two days,rejecting criticism of delays,chaos and overspending in the tournaments preparations.

Roussef admitted that organising world cup was tough but told that 12 stadiums were ready and Brazil would welcome the foreign fans with 'open arm'.

"Brazil overcame the main challenges and is now ready on and off the field",she said in nationally televised address.

Construction of the stadiums  and transport infrastructure was plagued by delays and cost overrun that left Brazil with $11 billion bill.

Workers were seen racing to finish up the venue for the opening  games, Corinthians Arena,just last weekend.

Spending on tournament fuelled sometimes violent protests last year over rising public transport prices and demands for the government to spend on health and education instead.

The demonstrations have been smaller in recent month but there are chances of greater protests when Brazil plays Croatia in the opening game on Thursday.

"For any country organising the cup is like playing a game,sweating and often suffering,with the possibility of extra-time and penalties",Roussef said.