FIFA will finally bring years of waiting to an end when they announce the Brazilian cities that will be hosting the matches for the FIFA World Cup in 2014. The long awaited announcement will also include the locations for the opening and final matches.

Lobbying for the opening game already began not long after Brazil was confirmed as the host country four years ago. While Sao Paulo is considered the favourite againast Fortaleza and Brasilia, there have been reports of delays in construction of the new Itaquerao stadium in Sao Paulo.

There have also been a number of concerns about the amount of travelling teams and supporters will be expected to do in order to reach the multiple venues spread across the 12 different cities in the fourth largest country in the world. In 1998 FIFA scrapped the concept that teams should be based on one venue for the group stage. However, based on the country’s size and limited public transportation FIFA may be forced to rethink the old concept.

Extreme weather experienced in the country from tropical to chilly conditions in the north and south respectively will also factor into FIFA’s match venue decisions.

The announcement is scheduled for Thursday 27th October.

source: supersport