体坛英语新闻：Brazilian minister hails World Cup legacies, rejects investment criticism

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Brazilians will benefit from the World Cup legacies, and preparation for the soccer extravaganza did not receive undue investments, the country's sports minister told Xinhua.

In a recent interview, Minister Aldo Rebelo said many World Cup legacies will be left with some of them already "visible".

"Many urban mobility projects have already been inaugurated or in construction. Streets were modernized and new bus and subway lines will be inaugurated, airports are being renovated," he said.

There will also be a less visible legacy, according to Rebelo.

"During over 30 days, Brazil will be shown to the world in all its dimensions," he said.

"The media coverage will not be limited to the matches: the national economy, business opportunities, tourist attractions, everything will be seen, from the largest cities to the most remote villages in the planet," he added.

Rebelo noted the World Cup preparation has been hit by mass protests amid concerns that billions of dollars invested in the World Cup could be better used in a country which faces real problems in public services.

Last year's FIFA Confederations Cup saw hundreds of thousands of Brazilians take to the street, protesting against the World Cup.

Rebelo reaffirmed that the World Cup accounts are being monitored by a number of public organs and they are transparent. He also denied that the preparation caused neglect of sectors which need more urgent investments, such as public education and healthcare.

Rebelo said the tourism sector will benefit from the World Cup, as 600,000 foreign tourists are expected to travel to Brazil for the tournament and three million Brazilians will travel in the country to watch Cup matches.

The minister denied that Brazilians are not as animated as expected for the World Cup, citing some 60 percent of the tickets bought by Brazilians.

"Soccer mobilizes millions of people in Brazil at least twice a week during the whole year," he said. "Our fans decorate the streets and put flags on their cars to watch World Cups which take place in other countries. This year will not be different, the matches will be played amid a party environment."