Comments on: How England Or The United States Can Win The 2018 World Cup Bid

By: Simon

Simon — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:39:43 +0000

Quite right KatKid and by minnows I was saying based on success internationally and domestically. No argument here on Stadium size though I have to suffer the pain that is RFK stadium – it has plenty of seats but its not a good stadium. .. Though if they were to host a World Cup I am sure it would get a quick upgrade.

That said FIFA shouldnt be awarding the World Cup on stadium capacity or quality.

By: eplnfl

eplnfl — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:51:23 +0000

Sign me up!

Any plan allowing WC games to be played in Chicago meets with my approval! A joint proposal would meet with a warm reception in the US, I would have serious doubts that you’ll find many if any supporters in England. Lest we forget, Englands primary reason for hosting a WC is to give their squad a leg up on getting to the finals and winning. So, the English FA to sign on to the deal would have to be assured that all England games, must be played on home soil.

For the US Soccer Association, and more importantly ESPN, who’s financial support for the games will be more important for every WC here on in, having a local venue works just fine and increases their revenue and works well.

By: Paul Bestall

Paul Bestall — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:38:04 +0000

Bristol could quite easily support a 50,000 stadium. City have underperformed for a couple of decades but a successful side could look to getting 34-40,000 a match. Figure in the Rugby Union side and there’s nothing wrong with it. As far as I am aware, City and Bristol RFC are looking to build a new joint 40,000 stadium.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:34:57 +0000

Where to begin to explain how stupid this idea is? The fact England has many top class stadiums already but yet you suggest sticking one in Bristol?! So you think Bristol City or Rovers would fill a new 50k plus stadium? Right! What about Newcastle (52k), new Liverpool stadium (60k)?
I doubt anyone in either country would support such a bid and it really is a stupid idea! Sorry Gaffer!!

By: The Gaffer

The Gaffer — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:42:55 +0000

Kat Kid,

Yes, seriously!

Both England and the United States — separately — will launch very aggressive and convincing bids. It’ll probably end up like Hilary vs Obama. Two great candidates, but they’re doing the Democrat party a disservice by focusing so much of their energies on trying to win the bid, when someone like McCain (i.e. Russia or China) may sneak up behind them and win the whole thing.

England and the United States would be stronger if they submitted a joint bid. And I don’t see the US or England getting the WC in 2018 and then the loser of those two getting the 2022 WC.

Cheers,
The Gaffer