FIFA: Brazil is right choice to host 2014 World Cup

FIFA inspectors Thursday recommended Brazil's bid to host the 2014 World Cup, saying the country is capable of staging an "exceptional" tournament.

Soccer's governing body will announce the tournament host Tuesday, and Brazil is the only candidate. The inspection report was sent to FIFA's executive committee.

"Brazil is an appropriate choice to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup," the report said. "Brazil has shown the potential and demonstrated itself to be more than capable of hosting an exceptional FIFA World Cup."

Brazil has won the World Cup a record five times and hosted it once. That was in 1950 when it lost the final to Uruguay before a Maracana Stadium crowd of about 200,000.

The report noted that the demands of the World Cup will "far surpass those of any other event staged in the history of Brazil."

The inspection team visited Brazil on Aug. 23-Sept. 1 and said the tournament would have excellent stadiums and training facilities.

"It is evident that Brazil has the richest tradition of footballing excellence in the world," the inspectors said.

Brazil has proposed 18 venues for the tournament. Of those, 14 are to be renovated and four must be built.

The report noted security concerns in some areas, but added that Brazil has enough resources to improve the situation before 2014. Brazil also received good marks for its public transportation, hotels and budget preparation.