Looking Ahead to 2018/'22
A few comments from USSF President Sunil Gulati on the American bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.....
"It is quite possible in the next six to 12 months we will be asked to, or decide to, pick one of those World Cups" to pursue.
On the potential of a joint USA-Mexico bid: "Under the current rules of the game, the only time FIFA would consider joint hosts is if there is no single-country bidder capable of putting on the World Cup. That is not the situation we are in. We haven't had real discussions about that."
Has the USSF had any discussions with FIFA about being the back-up plan in case Brazil is not ready to host in 2014?
"No. However, we didn't have any discussions with FIFA about being the back-up plan during the SARS epidemic in China [before the 2003 Women's World Cup, which was moved to the United States]. They know what we can do. Having said that, I fully expect the World Cup to be in Brazil. We weren't ready to put on the first game of the World Cup in 1994 until about 30 seconds before kickoff. South Africa is not going to be ready until 30 seconds before kickoff. And none of these World Cups is perfect. We had some issues, France had some issues, Korea and Japan had some issues. ... There are going to be hiccups along the way. Five years is a long time, so I have no doubt Brazil will host the World Cup. I don't think FIFA is talking or thinking about any back-up plans, and having said all that, FIFA knows what we can do. We've joked with them: 'Listen, make sure if you need us for any events, give us at least two weeks' notice.' "
By
Steve Goff
|
February 11, 2009; 1:54 PM ET
Categories:
FIFA
,
USSF
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Posted by: Modibo | February 11, 2009 2:24 PM | Report abuse
Let's see if Mexico overcomes its growing drug violence before talking about a World Cup bid.
Reminder:
ESPN2
Friendly ARGENTINA-FRANCE (live), 2:55 pm.
Posted by: joedoc1 | February 11, 2009 2:28 PM | Report abuse
Can listen to Ireland-Georgia if you're "working" but can only think about soccer today...
Posted by: Kev29 | February 11, 2009 2:43 PM | Report abuse
Holy crap - Georgia just scored in the first minute at Croke Park. Ireland nil - Georgia 1
Posted by: Kev29 | February 11, 2009 2:50 PM | Report abuse
Note how he didn't mention Germany had some issues. The Germans were ready for that tournament.
Posted by: GiannicolusJones | February 11, 2009 2:53 PM | Report abuse
Note how he didn't mention Germany had some issues. The Germans were ready for that tournament.
Posted by: GiannicolusJones | February 11, 2009 2:53 PM
Indeed. Quite frankly, I'm sick of the prejudiced speculation that countries like SA and Brazil won't be ready - and their tournaments will slide to the US. There might be some posturing by FIFA to press deadlines, but they and the host countries will make sure everything is ready.
It's refreshing to hear from Gulati that they are not preparing as a back-up and he fully expects these World Cup finals to go on as planned. I applaud him for that.
Posted by: Kev29 | February 11, 2009 2:57 PM | Report abuse
Gallardo not starting for Maradona?
Posted by: Reignking | February 11, 2009 3:22 PM | Report abuse
Can you ask Sunil when the tickets for the Group C Venezuela-Iran game on June 23, 2014 at the U.S. Treasury Stadium in Arlington, Texas (formerly Cowboys Stadium - they will be/were foreclosed on in 2012) go on sale?
Posted by: IamAM | February 11, 2009 3:34 PM | Report abuse
and becks is starting on the bench in Seville...
Posted by: joshuaostevens | February 11, 2009 3:37 PM | Report abuse
Anyone else see that "The Washington Post" in the banner is the gothic, dead-tree script and not the cool (jiggy) washingtonpost.com?
Posted by: I-270Exit1 | February 11, 2009 4:09 PM | Report abuse
@I-270 -- "Front page" has changed, too. Apparently the Post is trying to remind folks they're a newspaper, before it's too late.
Posted by: fischy | February 11, 2009 4:15 PM | Report abuse
Wow. It looks like the weather is going to clear out just for the game. Looks like it's still going to be windy though...
Posted by: silverrey | February 11, 2009 4:25 PM | Report abuse
Just read the transcript and needed to "Amen" the following statement.
Steven Goff: I'm proud to be an American every day, whether a USA soccer team wins or loses.
Posted by: I-270Exit1 | February 11, 2009 4:26 PM | Report abuse
Ireland 2 (both from Keane) Georgia 1 - phew
Posted by: Kev29 | February 11, 2009 4:30 PM | Report abuse
SPOILER ALERT!
USA 0 - Mexico 0 (pregame)
Posted by: I-270Exit1 | February 11, 2009 4:40 PM | Report abuse
:-)
Seriously though - how does the pitch look? People tailgating yet? Is anyone else a little nervous and a lot thirsty?
Posted by: Kev29 | February 11, 2009 4:48 PM | Report abuse
Becks is in.
Posted by: Reignking | February 11, 2009 5:14 PM | Report abuse
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A joint US-Mexico bid?
THAT would work well.