|
|
World Cup 2018 Bidders Special
Goal.com UK looks at the runners and riders as they unveil their bids in Cape Town...
06-Dec-2009 2:30:00 PM
AUSTRALIA
Slogan: Come and play!
What the slogan should be: World Cup? No worries mate!
Football ambassadors: Socceroos including Brett Emerton, Tim Cahill, Rhys Williams and North Queensland Fury striker Robbie Fowler.
Celeb support: Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, whose video added a much-needed touch of glamour to the bidders’ expo in Cape Town. Archbishop Desmond Tutu is also backing the Aussies.
They say:
Robbie Fowler: "When I came over here, from the start I have said I will do anything that can help promote the sport in this country and I have kept my word. Of course England are a rival to host that year, so it hasn't gone down well back home."
The message: We’re ‘a safe pair of hands’ and Asia is the fastest growing economic region in the world.
Why they will get it: The Sydney Olympics in 2000 was a huge success and the Australians are getting support from all over Asia.
Why they won’t get it: Concerns over the time difference for televised matches in Europe, the most lucrative advertising audience.
ODDS: 7/1
BELGIUM-NETHERLANDS
Slogan: Together for Great Goals.
What the slogan should be: Small is beautiful.
Football ambassadors: Ruud Gullit, Johan Cruyff, Jean-Marie Pfaff and Enzo Scifo.
Celeb support: Belgian tennis star Justine Henin and Dutch Olympic swimming champ Pieter van den Hoogenband.
They say:
Ruud Gullit: “As a boy I always saw this tournament at the big countries – never at home, and I never had the opportunity to see the stars from close up. Now I have a son I want to show the World Cup to my boy.”
The message: We proved with Euro 2000 that we could put on a great tournament, so let us team up again to put on a great World Cup!
Why they will get it: Both countries boast a proud football tradition. The Dutch in particular occupy a special place in World Cup folklore and also have some of the most vibrant fans in the game. The infrastructure and transport links are excellent, ensuring fans won't have to travel for hours between host cities.
Why they won’t get it: They would need to build a further four stadiums in Belgium and may be seen as too soon following Euro 2000.
ODDS: 10/1
ENGLAND
Slogan: England United. The World Invited.
What the slogan should be: We’re simply the Becks!
Football ambassadors: A who’s who of football superstars including David Beckham, John Terry, Kolo Toure, Robinho, Fabio Capello, Nwankwo Kanu, Kenwyne Jones, Michael Essien, Osvaldo Ardiles, Lucas Radebe, Gianfranco Zola and pretty much anyone who has ever won an England cap.
Celeb support: Noel Gallagher, Sting, Boris Johnson, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan are all backing the bid.
They say:
Fabio Capello: “I think England is the best place to have the World Cup. We have the fantastic stadiums, the facilities are really, really good and also the transport and hotels are the best.”
The message: We would be ‘honoured’ and ‘humbled’ to host the World Cup – and we are the best country bidding for it anyway. You can also have your picture taken with David Beckham if you vote for us.
Why they will get it: Top stadiums, the home of the world’s most popular domestic football competition, it’s David Beckham’s country... oh, and the small matter of England inventing football.
Why they won’t get it: Because the painfully obvious strategy of trying really hard not to appear arrogant might backfire and England’s 2018 team might under sell its strengths.
ODDS: 5/4 favourites
JAPAN
Slogan: Truly Universal.
What the slogan should be: This time we want it all to ourselves.
Football ambassadors: No ex-players. Japan’s answer to Beckham, Hidetoshi Nakata, doesn’t have the best relationship with the JFA...
Celeb support: ‘Legendary’ Japanese Manga character Astro Boy.
They say:
Kohzo Tashima, JFA General Secretary: "We co-hosted with South Korea in 2002. Now we believe we can co-host the World Cup with all the world."
The message: They don’t appear too sure. Something about technology being really good in Japan.
Why they will get it: Japan has great infrastructure, transport links and is home to corporate giants like Sony, who are delivering the first ‘3D’ World Cup coverage next year.
Why they won’t get it: It was only seven years ago when Japan co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea. The bid team have been dragging their heels partially caused by a new national government being voted in the summer. It remains lacklustre without any real star names behind it and even the video presentation at the bidders’ expo was too short. Sources say Japan could back out of 2018 altogether and focus on 2022.
ODDS: 100-1
RUSSIA
Slogan: Ready To Inspire!
What the slogan should be: Oligarchs United!
Football ambassadors: Veteran USSR goalkeeper Rinat Dasaev, Dynamo Moscow and Russia defender Denis Kolodin, ex-Chelsea and Fulham midfielder Alexey Smertin.
Celeb support: Who needs celebs when you’ve got Roman Abramovich and a host of other tycoons ready to get their chequebooks out.
They say:
Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko: “If you have a star, it doesn’t mean that you are going to win. We have our own Beckhams, small kids - this generation is growing.”
The message: It would be good for our nation and for future generations in even the remotest parts of Russia.
Why they will get it: Because FIFA are keen on legacy and the Russian bid really lays it on, promising massive development in the Eastern bloc. They will also be confident that big-spending Russia will build world-class stadiums and training bases.
Why they won’t get it: Russia’s absence at the 2010 World Cup won’t have helped matters. There are also concerns about the size of the country with matches spreading across too-many time zones.
ODDS: 9/2
SPAIN-PORTUGAL
Slogan: Together we are better.
What the slogan should be: We love each other. Honest.
Football ambassadors: A classy lineup including Raul and Luis Figo, with support from Deco, Fernando Torres, Nuno Gomes and Xavi.
Celeb support: No non-footballers yet but expect a move to enlist Hollywood star couple Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.
They say:
Luis Figo: “It would be amazing for the people of Portugal and Spain. I think we have the all the best conditions to organise the World Cup but it is up to FIFA to decide that for us.”
The message: Our host cities are hip and cool, our nations love each other and have produced footballing legends. We are the warm and hospitable people of Iberia.
Why they will get it: Both countries have experience of hosting major sporting events, great stadiums, a strong footballing tradition and lovely weather in June.
Why they won’t get it: They scored an own goal at the bidders’ expo when Luis Figo and Fernando Hierro showed up and sparked a media frenzy - in the middle of the US video presentation. FIFA were not impressed. Blatter is also not said to be keen on join bids - when the bigger country could host the World Cup on its own.
ODDS: 9/4
USA
Slogan: The Game is in US.
What the slogan should be: We are the world.
Football ambassadors: Landon Donavon and Mia Hamm.
Celeb support: The Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger; Drew Carey, host of the Price is Right; and veteran statesman Dr Henry Kissinger are all on the bid committee. President Obama has also backed the bid, which can't hurt.
They say:
Drew Carey: "There's nothing but upside for soccer in America, and I think hosting another World Cup will show the world more evidence of that... Everyone involved in the USA bid has a passion for soccer, a passion for winning and success."
The message: The USA is a melting pot. No nation embodies the values and spirit of the World Cup better.
Why they will get it: The popularity of soccer in the United States has been steadily growing, the country has the potential to stage the largest scale World Cup ever, breaking all tickets sales records, and the country already has enough stadiums to host two World Cups.
Why they won’t get it: Lacks the football tradition and history the European countries offer. Domestic TV viewing and attendances still struggle to compete with the US professional leagues for American football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey.
ODDS: 20/1
Amar Singh, Goal.com UK
Slogan: Come and play!
What the slogan should be: World Cup? No worries mate!
Football ambassadors: Socceroos including Brett Emerton, Tim Cahill, Rhys Williams and North Queensland Fury striker Robbie Fowler.
Celeb support: Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, whose video added a much-needed touch of glamour to the bidders’ expo in Cape Town. Archbishop Desmond Tutu is also backing the Aussies.
They say:
Robbie Fowler: "When I came over here, from the start I have said I will do anything that can help promote the sport in this country and I have kept my word. Of course England are a rival to host that year, so it hasn't gone down well back home."
The message: We’re ‘a safe pair of hands’ and Asia is the fastest growing economic region in the world.
Why they will get it: The Sydney Olympics in 2000 was a huge success and the Australians are getting support from all over Asia.
Why they won’t get it: Concerns over the time difference for televised matches in Europe, the most lucrative advertising audience.
ODDS: 7/1
BELGIUM-NETHERLANDS
Slogan: Together for Great Goals.
What the slogan should be: Small is beautiful.
Football ambassadors: Ruud Gullit, Johan Cruyff, Jean-Marie Pfaff and Enzo Scifo.
Celeb support: Belgian tennis star Justine Henin and Dutch Olympic swimming champ Pieter van den Hoogenband.
They say:
Ruud Gullit: “As a boy I always saw this tournament at the big countries – never at home, and I never had the opportunity to see the stars from close up. Now I have a son I want to show the World Cup to my boy.”
The message: We proved with Euro 2000 that we could put on a great tournament, so let us team up again to put on a great World Cup!
Why they will get it: Both countries boast a proud football tradition. The Dutch in particular occupy a special place in World Cup folklore and also have some of the most vibrant fans in the game. The infrastructure and transport links are excellent, ensuring fans won't have to travel for hours between host cities.
Why they won’t get it: They would need to build a further four stadiums in Belgium and may be seen as too soon following Euro 2000.
ODDS: 10/1
ENGLAND
Slogan: England United. The World Invited.
What the slogan should be: We’re simply the Becks!
Football ambassadors: A who’s who of football superstars including David Beckham, John Terry, Kolo Toure, Robinho, Fabio Capello, Nwankwo Kanu, Kenwyne Jones, Michael Essien, Osvaldo Ardiles, Lucas Radebe, Gianfranco Zola and pretty much anyone who has ever won an England cap.
Celeb support: Noel Gallagher, Sting, Boris Johnson, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan are all backing the bid.
They say:
Fabio Capello: “I think England is the best place to have the World Cup. We have the fantastic stadiums, the facilities are really, really good and also the transport and hotels are the best.”
The message: We would be ‘honoured’ and ‘humbled’ to host the World Cup – and we are the best country bidding for it anyway. You can also have your picture taken with David Beckham if you vote for us.
Why they will get it: Top stadiums, the home of the world’s most popular domestic football competition, it’s David Beckham’s country... oh, and the small matter of England inventing football.
Why they won’t get it: Because the painfully obvious strategy of trying really hard not to appear arrogant might backfire and England’s 2018 team might under sell its strengths.
ODDS: 5/4 favourites
JAPAN
Slogan: Truly Universal.
What the slogan should be: This time we want it all to ourselves.
Football ambassadors: No ex-players. Japan’s answer to Beckham, Hidetoshi Nakata, doesn’t have the best relationship with the JFA...
Celeb support: ‘Legendary’ Japanese Manga character Astro Boy.
They say:
Kohzo Tashima, JFA General Secretary: "We co-hosted with South Korea in 2002. Now we believe we can co-host the World Cup with all the world."
The message: They don’t appear too sure. Something about technology being really good in Japan.
Why they will get it: Japan has great infrastructure, transport links and is home to corporate giants like Sony, who are delivering the first ‘3D’ World Cup coverage next year.
Why they won’t get it: It was only seven years ago when Japan co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea. The bid team have been dragging their heels partially caused by a new national government being voted in the summer. It remains lacklustre without any real star names behind it and even the video presentation at the bidders’ expo was too short. Sources say Japan could back out of 2018 altogether and focus on 2022.
ODDS: 100-1
RUSSIA
Slogan: Ready To Inspire!
What the slogan should be: Oligarchs United!
Football ambassadors: Veteran USSR goalkeeper Rinat Dasaev, Dynamo Moscow and Russia defender Denis Kolodin, ex-Chelsea and Fulham midfielder Alexey Smertin.
Celeb support: Who needs celebs when you’ve got Roman Abramovich and a host of other tycoons ready to get their chequebooks out.
They say:
Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko: “If you have a star, it doesn’t mean that you are going to win. We have our own Beckhams, small kids - this generation is growing.”
The message: It would be good for our nation and for future generations in even the remotest parts of Russia.
Why they will get it: Because FIFA are keen on legacy and the Russian bid really lays it on, promising massive development in the Eastern bloc. They will also be confident that big-spending Russia will build world-class stadiums and training bases.
Why they won’t get it: Russia’s absence at the 2010 World Cup won’t have helped matters. There are also concerns about the size of the country with matches spreading across too-many time zones.
ODDS: 9/2
SPAIN-PORTUGAL
Slogan: Together we are better.
What the slogan should be: We love each other. Honest.
Football ambassadors: A classy lineup including Raul and Luis Figo, with support from Deco, Fernando Torres, Nuno Gomes and Xavi.
Celeb support: No non-footballers yet but expect a move to enlist Hollywood star couple Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.
They say:
Luis Figo: “It would be amazing for the people of Portugal and Spain. I think we have the all the best conditions to organise the World Cup but it is up to FIFA to decide that for us.”
The message: Our host cities are hip and cool, our nations love each other and have produced footballing legends. We are the warm and hospitable people of Iberia.
Why they will get it: Both countries have experience of hosting major sporting events, great stadiums, a strong footballing tradition and lovely weather in June.
Why they won’t get it: They scored an own goal at the bidders’ expo when Luis Figo and Fernando Hierro showed up and sparked a media frenzy - in the middle of the US video presentation. FIFA were not impressed. Blatter is also not said to be keen on join bids - when the bigger country could host the World Cup on its own.
ODDS: 9/4
USA
Slogan: The Game is in US.
What the slogan should be: We are the world.
Football ambassadors: Landon Donavon and Mia Hamm.
Celeb support: The Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger; Drew Carey, host of the Price is Right; and veteran statesman Dr Henry Kissinger are all on the bid committee. President Obama has also backed the bid, which can't hurt.
They say:
Drew Carey: "There's nothing but upside for soccer in America, and I think hosting another World Cup will show the world more evidence of that... Everyone involved in the USA bid has a passion for soccer, a passion for winning and success."
The message: The USA is a melting pot. No nation embodies the values and spirit of the World Cup better.
Why they will get it: The popularity of soccer in the United States has been steadily growing, the country has the potential to stage the largest scale World Cup ever, breaking all tickets sales records, and the country already has enough stadiums to host two World Cups.
Why they won’t get it: Lacks the football tradition and history the European countries offer. Domestic TV viewing and attendances still struggle to compete with the US professional leagues for American football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey.
ODDS: 20/1
Amar Singh, Goal.com UK
Inside Goal.Com
-
Cartoon: Rio Ferdinand may have the last laugh
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
Euro 1996 Legends: Matthias Sammer, Germany
The heir to Franz Beckenbaur's throne, Sammer's excellent displays as sweeper for Germany led them to their third European title...
-
Euro 2012 Trivia: Which team has the fewest combined caps among them?
Which is the least experienced team in Euro 2012? Time to test your knowledge, mate
-
Vote for your Goal.com World Player of the Week
Have your say on who you think should win Goal.com's weekly honour
-
Euro 2012 a timely respite for depressed Spain
With 24 per cent unemployment, wage cuts and little hope for improvement in the short term, the continental competition will at least take people's minds off their sad situation