Brazil Unveil Logo For 2014 World Cup

| Monday July 12, 2010 00:00

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has stressed that his country has a 'tremendous responsibility' to match the first finals put on by Africa.

'The success of our African brothers represents a tremendous challenge to the Brazilian people. We are learning from them to ensure that [2014] will be even better,' he said

The logo, which represents the World Cup trophy, is created by three linked hands in Brazil's national colours of yellow and green. The winning design, entitled Inspiration, was chosen from among 25 entries submitted to a judging panel that included Brazilian author Paulo Coelho and super model Gisele Bundchen. President Lula launched the logo at an event in Johannesburg which was attended by former Brazilian players Carlos Alberto, Cafu, Romario, and former boss Carlos Alberto Parreira, who guided Brazil to the World Cup crown in 1994 and coached South Africa in the 2010 tournament. Brazil, who are five-time world champions, previously staged the World Cup in 1950. The finals were last held in South America when Argentina were hosts in 1978. Fifa president Sepp Blatter said football was like a religion in Brazil and praised the country for identifying with the game 'like no other'. The Brazil national team will also be hoping to improve on their showing in South Africa. They parted company with coach Dunga after losing to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. (BBC)