Samba kings to host the cup

(CNN) -- Sepp Blatter's announcement that Brazil was going to host the 2014 World Cup prompted wild celebrations all over the South American nation.

But while no-one doubts Brazil's passion for parties, or football for that matter, questions have started to emerge about the country's ability to stage an event of this magnitude.

The 2014 World Cup project submitted to FIFA by the Brazilian government included plans to build four new stadiums and restore 14 others with costs estimated at over $1 billion. Private companies have suggested the bill could rise to as much as $10 billion over the next seven years.

However, Ricardo Teixeira, the president of Brazil's football confederation, is confident, saying: "We will prove that we are civilized and that we have all the conditions to host this event. The government's contribution throughout the bidding process has been crucial, and I am sure that in the future, it will continue to support all our efforts."

Brazilian president Lula da Silva added, "Right now, we can celebrate this decision, but we know, as a nation, that there is a lot of responsibility to deliver a great tournament. We want to take this opportunity to prove to the world that Brazil has a growing economy and a stable political situation. We may have problems, but we have men capable of solving these problems."

Problems such as violence and corruption. Brazil has one of the highest murder rates in the world and Corinthians, one of the countries top clubs, is currently being investigated after being hit by allegations of fraud and money laundering.

"The problem of violence is not exclusive to Brazil, said Teixeira. "It's something all nations are fighting against. We proved during the Pan-American Games that we can organize a grand event without any problems occurring and we are confident the same will happen in seven years time."

Blatter himself stoically defended FIFA's decision. "When we gave the World Cup to South Africa, everyone also talked about criminality and violence, and now we have given it to Brazil you are also asking about this. I demand respect for FIFA and our guests."

Brazil got a full backing from the president of football's governing body. The countdown now begins for Brazil to prove him right. E-mail to a friend