Military police patrol on horseback outside the National Stadium in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 28, 2014. Brazil will host the World Cup soccer tournament that starts in June (Photo: AP)
Brazil's Deputy Sports Minister Luis Fernandes says "Brazil will surprise the world" with a successful World Cup despite what he called "prejudice" against so-called developing countries as they try to organize mega-sports events.
Fernandes, speaking Wednesday with reporters on a teleconference, said Brazil would allow peaceful strikes or demonstrations during the month-long championship, but he promised violence would not be tolerated and said the "security of the World Cup will be guaranteed by the Brazilian state."
Brazil's preparations for the World Cup, which opens June 12 in Sao Paulo, have been characterized by delays preparing 12 stadiums, unfinished upgrades to airports and transportation, and criticism of $11.5 billion being spent, which many believe should have been used to improve the country's poor schools and rundown hospitals.
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