The Brazilian football federation has refuted criticism from FIFA President Sepp Blatter over delays in preparations for the 2014 World Cup, saying the country is on track to successfully host the tournament.

Blatter

Federation president Ricardo Teixeira says preparations are going as planned, and is inviting Blatter to visit the country “to see the progress from up close.”

Blatter says Brazil’s project is “not progressing very quickly” and even lags behind South Africa, which fell behind with its construction schedule for last year’s tournament.

Teixeira said in a statement Tuesday he was surprised to hear the criticism because Blatter lauded the preparations after a meeting with the local organizing committee in Zurich earlier this month.