by Our Sports Desk

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has appealed to the country to support the World Cup, using a nationally televised address less than two days before the tournament to rebuke the “pessimists” who complain the country shouldn’t be hosting the event.

Brazil’s World Cup preparations have stoked countless protests from those angered by the billions spent on the event while the quality of public services in the health, education, security and transport spheres is lacking.

In a pre-taped speech aired during prime time on Tuesday night, Rousseff called on all Brazilians to back the national team regardless of their political persuasion or whether they fully agree with the nation hosting the event.

“I’m certain that in the 12 host cities, visitors are going to mix with a happy, generous and hospitable people and be impressed by a nation full of natural beauty and which fights each day to become more equal,” she said.

About half of Brazilians polled have said they’re against even hosting the World Cup and the mood is mixed about the event hours before it starts. That was once unthinkable for a nation that embodies football like no other, the country that has won the World Cup a record five times.

However, many Cup-watchers also think that if the Brazilian team gets on a roll and starts winning, the mood could quickly pivot and the nation could show the world a celebration worthy of its international image as a land of free-wheeling festivals and easy-going, friendly people.

Rousseff added: “For any nation, organising a cup is like taking part in a tough — and many times painful — game.”

The leader rebuked those who argue Brazil has spent too much on the tournament, saying that since 2010 the government has spent more than 200 times what it invested in stadiums on education and health care systems.

Adding to fears of chaos during the Cup, subway worker unions in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have suspended the subway strikes but have made no guarantee that there will be a service today for the opening of the tournament.

Rousseff, whose poll numbers are slipping ahead of an October political election, concluded her speech by urging all Brazilians to rally around their team, whom she addressed directly.

“Beneath those green and canary jerseys, you embody a powerful legacy of the Brazilian people. The national team represents nationality,” she said. 

“It’s above governments, parties and interests of any group.”