Doomsayers made to eat humble pie

Over the past year it seemed every blackout, traffic jam or cancelled flight in Brazil was met with the same refrain: "Just imagine during the World Cup."

The doomsayers could not have imagined how well the tournament would go. The first three weeks of the World Cup have been as remarkable for the mostly smooth logistics and carefree atmosphere as for the thrilling play on the pitch.

After months of hand wringing over unfinished public works, violent protests and costly stadiums delivered at the last minute, impressions of the host country have swung 180 degrees.

"Sensational World Cup," tweeted British journalist Faisal Islam. "They should hold it in Brazil every time." There are eight games to play, of course, so a high-profile debacle in the final stages could still sour the mood.

And many Brazilians are still angry about the $11 billion of public spending on an event that will likely leave at least four stadiums as white elephants and few of the urban transit projects that were promised. But the tournament itself, which culminates in a final match on July 13, has been a rollicking success by most accounts.

Despite widespread frustration with the hefty price tag, Brazilians have received soccer's biggest show with their famous enthusiasm, packing stadiums and embracing the flood of foreign fans.

The teams have also obliged with balanced, high-scoring matches and some dramatic finishes.

When obvious flaws appeared, organisers reacted quickly. An invasion of Rio's Maracana stadium by 90 Chilean fans without tickets led to a wider perimeter. Security was also reinforced after clashes between rowdy Argentina and Brazil fans.

The greatest relief for organisers is the lack of angry Brazilians in the streets. Last year, protests against government spending on the World Cup and other issues drew more than one million people but they have petered out in recent months.

Smaller protests in the first days of the tournament were met with tear gas, rubber bullets and overwhelming force from police. Given the choice between violent marches in the streets and watching world-class soccer, most Brazilians have been  glued to their televisions.

The pattern of mounting dread giving way to jubilant relief has become a familiar one at global sporting events. The build-up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was also wracked by dire predictions of poor organization and violent crime but ended successfully after a tournament played in modern stadiums backed by huge enthusiasm in the stands.

Brazilian crowds are also in an exuberant mood, cheering on underdogs and celebrating along with Latin American rivals - as long as they haven't crossed the local team.