A truly Brazilian World Cup

Dubai: Star striker Romario says the will of the Brazilian people will ensure one of the greatest ever football shows on earth when the 2014 Fifa World Cup comes around.

Despite the well-documented organisational problems, the 1994 Golden Boot winner believes it will all come together in time

"We are late on the schedule. The airport is not ready. The construction of the stadiums is behind time and we have been having problems with getting the hotels ready," Romario said at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa yesterday.

"But I can assure you that in two years' time the World Cup in Brazil will be a moment to be remembered."

Romario was a special guest of Al Habtoor Motors, which was celebrating of 30 years of Mitsubishi Pajero in the UAE.

Managing director Karl Hamer handed over the keys of a limited edition new Pajero to the Brazilian legend.

Concern

Romario, now a politician with the Brazilian Socialist Party, admitted to being concerned about the slow pace of preparations.

"Yes, Brazil is concerned about all these happenings and this has nothing to do with lack of money," he said.

"Everyone wants to know the reasons for the delay, but after Fifa President Sepp Blatter's visit to Brazil last week things are back to track."

Romario's optimism stems from his delight at the resignation of Brazil Football Confederation president Ricardo Teixeira earlier this month.

"Now that he is gone we can hope Brazil will do a good job with the World Cup," Romario said. "We may not be able to give you the best-ever World Cup, but as a nation, Brazil can hope and I can guarantee you that the World Cup will be a moment to be remembered."

Romario scored 71 goals in 85 appearances for Brazil, his defining moment coming when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup and he was awarded the Golden Boot for his five goals.