World Cup Update: The Countdown to Brazil 2014

Wednesday, April 9th, 2014

Brazil Feeling The Pressure

With just 64 days to go until the 2014 World Cup kicks off, Brazilian hosts are feeling the pressure to deliver on contracts and complete stadiums.  FIFA spokesperson, Jerome Valcke, has already confirmed that it’s unlikely everything will be finished in time for the first match in Sao Paulo, which luckily won’t interfere with the matches going ahead as scheduled.  The World Cup will open on the 12th June, with host country Brazil playing against Croatia in the group stage. 

Corinthians Claims Another Life

A Brazilian construction worker has died after falling 25ft from a grandstand where he was installing seating in the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo.  This brings the total to 8 fatalities across Brazil during the construction of World Cup stadiums.  This is the second accident at the Corinthians stadium – in November, two workers were killed when a crane collapsed, damaging the building during its fall.  The Brazilian government has been criticised for poor working conditions and poor safety standards, with labourers speaking out against the pressure they’re being put under to reach completion – and it’s clear that safety has been shelved in favour of speed. 

Official Team Kit Controversy

England have unveiled their official World Cup kit – the all white Nike design is simple and features the famous three lions crest.  Critics, however, have been outraged at Nike’s pricing, with an official England shirt setting fans back £90 – which even Prime Minister David Cameron has described as too expensive.  The FA have been accused of greed and, worse still, no longer being interested in the game or its fans. 

The England shirt is, however, on-par with or cheaper than some other World Cup teams – the official Italy World Cup shirt is priced at a staggering £120.  The FA has responded by saying that the pricing is consistent with past events and that money from the shirts goes towards the FA, which supports football development on all levels – hardly a justification when millions in profit are already made from television, advertising and ticket sales. 

England Striker Out Of The Game

England striker Jay Rodriguez has been confirmed as injured and will be out of the game for 6 months to recover, meaning the World Cup hopeful has lost his chance to represent England in Brazil.  Rodriguez is due to receive surgery after tearing a knee ligament, playing for Southampton against Manchester City, in a Premier League match last Saturday. 

Join The Fun

Despite hiccups in the road, FIFA’s bad behaviour and some serious concerns surrounding the construction of the event venues, enthusiasm for the World Cup is at an all-time high.  The countdown is well under way and gaining momentum with fans and organisers taking to social media to share their their excitement. 

If you fancy getting involved in the World Cup action, head over to Panda Sweeps to organise a sweepstake with your friends, colleagues or family.  Panda Sweeps takes all the effort out of organising a sweepstake and does the hard work for you.  And check out our sports blog for the latest sporting news and tips, if that takes your fancy. 

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