Ronaldo is embarrassed about his country's inability to complete the promised infrastructure ahead of the deadline. But he believes the hosts will get it right on the pitch.

Brazil will stage their second World Cup since 1950 next month, and are the favourites to lift the trophy on July 13.

The hosts have struggled to build their stadiums on time, and many of the infrastructure projects, such as airports, bus lanes, and metro lines, have either been cancelled or scaled down.

Ronaldo (37), a member of the local organising committee, said Brazil had always had problems of "corruption, embezzlement and overcharging". He lamented the late delivery of stadiums, three of which are still not ready.

"In 2007, when they decided the World Cup would be in Brazil, President Lula [Luiz Inacio da Silva] signed and agreed to everything. And then they get here and there's this bureaucracy, total confusion and lateness," Ronaldo said at his office in São Paulo.

"It's a shame. I am embarrassed. This is my country and I love it. We shouldn't be transmitting this image abroad.

"But we must not forget that Brazil wasn't perfect before the World Cup. It was the same or worse."

The former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker is betting on Brazil to win the competition, with Germany second, followed by Argentina and Spain.

Brazil are on a rich run of form and have won 13 of their last 14 encounters, including the five games that won them the Confederations Cup last year.

But no side has won the World Cup a year after lifting the Confederations trophy, and the local fans are desperate for a home win.

Ronaldo said the young players were experienced enough for the big occasion and would be well prepared by Felipe Scolari - the man who led Brazil to their last title triumph in 2002, with the help of two goals from Ronaldo in the final.