Brazil's sports minister has a message for those who doubt the country will be ready to host the 2014 World Cup - take a look at Rio de Janeiro's famed annual Carnival celebrations.

Every year, Rio's samba schools seemingly pull off a miracle at the last minute when preparations appear hopelessly behind, putting on a show to remember.

That is the Brazilian way of doing things, and with the soccer World Cup it will be no different, sports minister Aldo Rebelo said.