Brazillan president dismisses concerns over World Cup

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff tried to ease concerns about preparations for the 2014 World Cup. 

Rousseff said Tuesday that "it's not an easy task to prepare for an event of such magnitude," but dismissed worries that Brazil won't get things done in time for the month-long tournament.

She said in the president's blog that Brazil will invest nearly $20 billion US in infrastructure to ensure the World Cup is successful. She said 68 per cent of that amount will come from the federal government.

A government watchdog group warned that Brazil needs to improve the pace of upgrades to airports, infrastructure and stadiums.

Rousseff downplayed the concerns, saying similar things were said a year before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"It was said that [South Africa] would not be able to complete the construction work, but the World Cup was considered a success," Rousseff said.

She said the tournament will bring great benefits to Brazil, helping create more than 700,000 jobs and attracting nearly 600,000 tourists.

"The World Cup will contribute to our development project," she said.

Rousseff, the first female Brazilian president, will be in her last year in office during the 2014 World Cup.