Brazil is getting close to finalizing its preparations for the World Cup but there's "not a single moment to relax" until the opener in less than two weeks, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said Friday, according to The Associated Press.
After touring all host cities one last time, Valcke said organizers are working hard to make sure the country is ready for the World Cup, the AP reported.
"Over the last few days I had the chance to witness preparations in the 12 host cities for the 20th edition of football's flagship event," Valcke said, according to the AP. "Overall, we are getting there, with the teams on the ground busy applying the final touches."
He added work will continue at full pace as players and fans "deserve the best conditions and a warm reception in the host country," adding that everything "must be perfect" by the June 12 opener, the AP reported.
"Hardly ever has a FIFA World Cup offered so many top class fixtures," Valcke said, according to the AP. "This puts extra pressure on all of us and in particular our venue teams as all of them - and sorry if I keep repeating myself - must be perfect."
FIFA President Sepp Blatter also said on Friday that he expects a "great World Cup" in Brazil, adding that he will arrive in the country next week and meet with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to "wish her all the best," the AP reported.
Valcke's trips to inspect stadium in host cities ended on Thursday with him saying he was mostly satisfied with the progress being made across the country, but sent warnings to organizers in Sao Paulo, the southern city of Porto Alegre and the northeastern venue of Natal, according to the AP.
Sao Paulo has proven the most problematic venue because of chronic delays at the Itaquerao stadium which will host the Brazil-Croatia opener, the AP reported.
Valcke said he was looking forward to the second test event at the stadium this weekend, which would allow organizers to "test all aspects and then make the final adjustments to ensure all will be perfect" for the inaugural match, according to the AP.
"The World Cup is here," Valcke said, the AP reported. "The world is ready to experience Brazil."
