JOHANNESBURG – FIFA president Sepp Blatter gave Confederations Cup organizers an encouraging grade of 7.5 out of 10 on Monday while stressing work remains on transportation and housing for next year's World Cup.

The Confederations Cup, in which Brazil rallied past the United States, 3-2, in Sunday's final, was a dress rehearsal for the World Cup and was considered a major success on the field. But Blatter and FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke say the tournament revealed problems that must be resolved by June 11, 2010, when the World Cup makes its debut in Africa.

By the time of the World Cup draw in Cape Town on Dec. 4, Blatter says the organizers may merit a score of 8 and possibly 10 by the end of the monthlong, 64-game showcase.

"I am a very satisfied and a very happy president of FIFA, together with our friends in South Africa," he said. "We know there are logistics that we have to work on. There are problems and transport linked with accommodation – we don't intend hiding behind compliments."

"This is a special matter," he added, "because South Africa is expecting 450,000 visitors for the World Cup, fans from all round the world who want to find somewhere to sleep."

Valcke said a successful World Cup depends on overseas visitors being satisfied with facilities. Organizers are still 15,000 hotel rooms short of their target and could accept offers on lodging from neighboring countries.

"These are things that have to be done," he said. "It was difficult to come in and out of the stadium."

Still, Valcke is confident organizers can fix these problems.

The Associated Press