UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON OLYMPICS 2012 - FIFA President Sepp Blatter says that hosts of 2014 World cup tournament need to have good national team

Record ID: 862367

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON OLYMPICS 2012 - FIFA President Sepp Blatter says that hosts of 2014 World cup tournament need to have good national team
  • Date: 13th August 2012
  • Summary: FIFA PRESIDENT SEPP BLATTER OUTSIDE HOTEL. (SOUNDBITE) (French) SEPP BLATTER, FIFA PRESIDENT, SAYING: "It was a very good match, and I must say that the Mexicans surprised me a lot. Not only because they were lucky to go ahead, but also how they controlled the match. The Brazilians were favourites but they did not find a way to get into the match. The Mexicans were too strong, they played with great technique and tactics were very clever. They they have excellent players not only in Brazil, but also in Mexico." JOURNALISTS. (SOUNDBITE) (French) SEP BLATTER, FIFA PRESIDENT, SAYING ON WHETHER BRAZIL WILL BE READY FOR THE WORLD CUP "In all the World Cups there is always some hesitation, we say 'They will be ready, they won't be ready'. I am certain that they will be ready and organise a very good World Cup. But now the problem for Brazil is to have a good national team." BLATTER GETTING INTO CAR
  • Embargoed: 28th August 2012 13:00
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  • Location: United Kingdom
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  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA9QGBU3AUF8SH1VBQ6IA759JJ1
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  • Story Text: FIFA President Sepp Blatter has admitted on Sunday (August 12) he was "surprised" by Mexico's 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Olympic soccer final.
    Blatter added that the form of Brazil could be more of a worry than infrastructure problems ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
    Brazil are due to host the tournament - as well as the 2016 Olympics - and there have been concerns that venues and transport systems won't be ready in time.
    But Blatter said: "In all the World Cups there is always some hesitation, we say 'They will be ready, they won't be ready'. I am certain that they will be ready and organise a very good World Cup. But now the problem for Brazil is to have a good national team."
    The Swiss was at Wembley Stadium on Saturday (August 11) to witness Mexico's win, and said he was left impressed by the central Americans.

    "It was a very good match, and I must say that the Mexicans surprised me a lot," he said.

    "Not only because they were lucky to go ahead, but also how they controlled the match.

    "The Brazilians were favourites but they did not find a way to get into the match. The Mexicans were too strong, they played with great technique and tactics were very clever. They they have excellent players not only in Brazil, but also in Mexico."
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