2014 logo unveiled

World Cup Logo

Brazil & FIFA unveiled the logo of the 2014 World Cup in Johannesburg last night.

2014 Logo

Ricardo Teixeira, head of the Brazilian FA, revealed the design, entitled 'Inspiration', which shows three hands in national colours forming the shape of the trophy, to 500 guests at the traditional presentation by the tournament's next hosts.

"I can assure you the 2014 World Cup will be a perfect and unforgettable celebration," assured Texeira, rejecting fears of an even more disorganised World Cup than South Africa has been at times.

Brazil is a huge landmass with stadia, airports, roads and hotels in serious need of rebuilding before 2014. Add to that a crime problem to match or even beat South Africa's. Fans will mostly have to fly to get around the venues in four years' time, although plans are progressing for a high-speed rail link between Rio and Sao Paolo.

Host Cities

With such an exceptional footballing heritage in Brazil, and with the absence of alternative South American candidates, a World Cup in the land of Pele was always on the cards. Pele himself was not there in Joburg last night, perhaps because of a spat with Texeira, but former stars Romario and Carlos Alberto were, along with the nation's president Lula.

The preliminary qualifying draw takes place next July.

- Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile

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