World Cup slogan: ‘All in one rhythm’

“All in one rhythm,” is the official slogan of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, FIFA announced Tuesday, saying it would unite fans who head to the Samba nation for the football extravaganza.

The official slogan was a joint effort between Brazil and the footballing world, said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke at a ceremony in Rio, noting it “represents the unique flavour” Brazil will bring to the tournament.

“Based around the central idea of ‘rhythm’, it will unite fans in Brazil and abroad, around what will be a colourful and vibrant celebration set to a uniquely Brazilian rhythm,” said Valcke.

Brazil’s Sports Minister, Aldo Rebelo, said the slogan was an invitation to citizens and visitors “to join together and celebrate the immense sense of pride” in the country’s role as hosts.

It was Valcke’s first trip to Brazil since he caused an uproar in March with his criticism of the country’s 2014 preparations, saying organisers needed “a kick up the backside.”

Valcke and FIFA President Sepp Blatter had to apologise for the remarks, which triggered fury from the host country. Rebelo then said Valcke would no longer be welcome as a FIFA spokesman.

FIFA has expressed varying degrees of concern about whether preparations — renovation or construction of stadiums as well as infrastructure projects — are on track for the first World Cup in Brazil since 1950.

A little over two years before the championship kicks off in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014, nearly 40 per cent of projects are yet to start, the Brazilian government said last week, insisting there was no cause for alarm.

Brazil plans to spend $US13 billion ($A13.27 billion) on 101 projects to build or modernise stadiums, airports, roads and public transport ahead of the World Cup, but work has begun on only 60 of them, the government said.

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