While the country is still officially considered a 'developing' nation, Brazil has received a massive dose of support from the world's principal sporting authorities by being chosen to host the planet's two biggest sporting events within a period of two years.
Projects and planning already underway for the 2014 World Cup will be given a big boost following Rio's successful bid to host the 2016 Olympics, with the vote of confidence in Rio's capability sure to reverberate around the country and give new life to Cup-focused projects in the 11 other cities hosting matches. In short, the Olympics win will instill even more self-belief in the governments, private groups and individuals responsible for getting the country ready for the Cup, while the additional international focus should also promote a greater sense of responsibility in terms of ensuring the country is as ready as physically possible, across all key areas, by 2014.
It is no exaggeration to say that the Rio decision was met with a fair amount of disbelief from a great number of Brazilians. Although a favourite in the days leading up to the final vote, there was definitely a sense of cynicism in the local population that South America, Latin America, would once again be looked over for a safer option. But it wasn't, and in the days following the decision the new feeling is one of optimism, acceptance and confidence; an important shift for a country that has always been self-conscious about its international standing.
Questions over security, facilities, capability and experience are certainly relevant and understandable, and have been asked plenty of times before, but Brazil's strong, stable growth in recent years and increasingly solid reputation on the global stage indicate that the country can find the answers: at least that what the people at the IOC and FIFA feel, as well as plenty of others in positions that matter.
Brazil is a big country on an upward trajectory and its success in attracting the planet's two key sporting events, both times right under the noses of other global superpowers, provides the international recognition the country has been desperately seeking in recent years. The important thing now is to take advantage of this newfound respect by doing everything in its power to fulfill the world's expectations while also remaining true to the country's traditions and people: no small task, but one that if performed proficiently and with a sense of urgency, will reap major rewards for many years to come. And with the world watching on, it is also a chance for Brazil to show that it really is the serious global player it has for some time been threatening to be.