(CNN) -- Pele has backed Brazil to deliver a "fantastic" World Cup amid growing fears the country will not be ready in time to host football's showpiece event. The legendary former striker, who won three World Cups with Brazil between 1958 and 1970, has rejected accusations that delays to a number of the 12 venues hamper his country's ability to put on a spectacle. FIFA , the game's world governing body, has confirmed it expects all six stadiums still under construction to miss the deadline of December 31. "I've no doubt," Pele told CNN when asked if he thought the World Cup would be a success.
@highlight
Brazilian football legend Pele says 2014 World Cup will be "fantastic"
@highlight
FIFA has confirmed that three stadiums will miss deadline due to delays
@highlight
Three-time World Cup winner Pele insists his country will be ready
But the 73-year-old says he is desperate to avoid pulling balls out of the pots in case he hands @placeholder an impossible task to get through the group stage.