Brazil looking good for World Cup

World Cup preparations in Brazil were kicked into touch with a special ceremony to show off one of the stadiums to showcase the 2014 matches.

President Dilma Rousseff practised her ball skills at the event when she joined celebrations at the Castelao Arena, which could see crowds of up to 65,000.

After concerns were raised by officials of governing body FIFA that former hosts had not prepared properly, Brazil is determined to be ready, including completing the 250 million-dollar renovation of Castelao and Maracana stadium.

Further work is still ongoing to have all six stadiums ready in time, while the Mineroa Stadium in Belo Horizonte will be opened after Christmas.

Brazil has until April next year to have the stadiums completed and ready for fans who are travelling to South America for the Confederations Cup in June.

At the event, the president spoke of the pride she has in Sao Paolo's football team, Corinthians, both on and off the pitch and their performance at the Club World Cup final.