Brazil, the only candidate, presents its 2014 WCup bid to FIFA

With little pomp and fanfare, lone candidate Brazil submitted its bid Tuesday to host the 2014 World Cup.

Photo: Brazil, the only candidate, presents its 2014 WCup bid to FIFA

The Brazil delegation showcased its plans in a 30-minute presentation before handing over a 900-page bid document to FIFA president Sepp Blatter. The delegation included Brazilian soccer federation president Ricardo Teixeira, former Brazil player Romario and author Paulo Coelho.

"This is a small ceremony but 185 million people are here with us," Teixeira said.

Bid organizers refused to publicly reveal details, including budget estimates.

Four years ago at the presentation ceremony for the 2010 World Cup, Morocco, Egypt, co-bidders Tunisia and Libya, and eventual winner South Africa, all revealed detailed information such as budget figures, crime rates, security plans and the status of their stadiums.

"Generally we have different candidates issuing bid documents for the World Cup," Blatter said. "This time we are alone with the CBF."

Brazil became the only candidate after Colombia withdrew its bid in April.

FIFA will now send an inspection team to visit Brazil in late August and early September.

Brazil has 18 cities hoping to be selected as a host venue, while bid organizers are hoping for around 12. FIFA prefers between eight and 10.

"We have all looked at the conditions set by FIFA and have done everything possible and maybe even done the impossible for this bid to host the 2014 World Cup," said Rui Rodrigues, founder of the marketing company hired by the CBF. "Brazil is the only candidate for the 2014 World Cup, which makes our task even more difficult because it can't be compared to other countries but only on the terms of reference set by FIFA."

FIFA's executive committee will decide on Oct. 30 whether Brazil can host the event. The country will have a final opportunity to present its bid to the committee on the previous day.

"We are very anxious - or at least I am - perhaps even nervous because we are really looking forward to welcoming the World Cup in our country," said Romario, who helped Brazil win the 1994 World Cup in the United States. "Football is not only the No. 1 sport but in Brazil, it goes even beyond that.

"We are ready to welcome an event of this magnitude and importance because we believe football was born in Brazil. May other countries forgive us but we feel that way."