Hodgson backs Brazil govt to host 'successful' 2014 World Cup

The manager of the England national football team has backed Brazil to host a successful World Cup despite potential problems with stadiums and protests.

Roy Hodgson is on a visit to the city of Manaus, where England face Italy in their opening game at the Arena Amazonia, but there are fears an unfinished stadium in Curitiba could be pulled.

According to the BBC, Hodgson said that as FIFA and the Brazilian government has put in a lot of work, so he does not foresee any trouble for the tournament, adding that he has faith in the local organising committee to pull of a successful event.

The report mentioned that a potential repeat of the violent protests that dogged the Confederations Cup is a concern for organisers, along with the problem of the Arena Amazonia, like five other World Cup venues not being ready by the FIFA deadline of 31 December 2013.

The World Cup begins in Brazil on June 12, but the Sao Paolo venue due to stage the opening match is one of the sites still under construction.

England's first Group D game is against Italy on 14 June and Hodgson visited the 42,000-capacity venue as part of his trip, the report added.