Count Down to 2022 Decision - World Cup News: USA Makes Case For 2022 World Cup to be Held in U.S.

Updated on Decision Day Morning @ 7:57 AM -USA lost the bid, but all the hard work that went into making the case for the World Cup to be held here deserves recognition.

---

 

President Clinton, Sunil Gulati, Landon Donavan and Morgan Freeman made the case for the USA to host the 2022 World Cup.  The question is, did we do enough?  Will be be honored by FIFA?  Hours to the decision, here is a look at what happened during the presentation. 

The USA is considered by many the 'favorite' for the 2022 World Cup.  What will the verdict be?  Straight forward and from the heart, Morgan Freeman may have fluffed his speach a bit, but could that really hurt our chances?  FIFA is not choosing between smooth talkers but, hopefully, is selecting the country most committed to the success of the 2022 World Cup.

President Bill Clinton said in his presentation, "I’d also like to say a word of appreciation and respect to the countries who are competing with the United States for this bid. I have reviewed the outlines of your proposals, and as a competitor, I’m sorry to say I found them all rather persuasive. I honor your devotion to your nations and to this cause."  At the very least, America stands tall on the world stage, with respect and humility - and, of course pride.

America has become a soccer nation.  The world has finally recognized our country as serious about soccer.  Ther future is bright and while the Game has been in us for a while, now the Game is On.

USA MAKES THEIR CASE

When playing “Red” in Shawshank Redemption, Morgan Freeman was “a man who knows how to get things,” and the USA Bid Committee is hoping that statement comes true on Today, December 2, when in a few hours FIFA announces the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. The Academy Award-winning actor arrived in Zurich this morning and was part of the four-member team that gave the USA Bid Committee’s presentation this afternoon at FIFA House, along with President Bill Clinton, U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Landon Donovan and USA Bid Committee Chairman and U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Mia Hamm, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, and Vice Chairman of the USA Bid Committee and Executive Director of the USA Bid Committee David Downs were also part of the USA delegation on hand at FIFA House. 

PRESENTATION SPEECHES AND QUOTES

To read the full speeches from all four of the USA Bid Committee presenters; visit ussoccer.com [Freeman | Gulati | Donovan | Clinton].

We also caught up with USA Bid Committee Chairman and U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Landon Donovan after the presentation to the FIFA Executive Committee. Here’s what the two presenters said:

Sunil Gulati

On how the presentation went:

“We are pleased we had this final opportunity to make our case to the FIFA Executive Committee and I’m extremely appreciative of the special efforts of President Clinton, Morgan Freeman and Landon Donovan in helping us make that case. We look forward to a decision tomorrow.”

Landon Donovan said:

On the team’s presentation to FIFA:

"We practiced a lot and we wanted to make sure we got our message across and we all felt good about that. President Clinton said numerous times, 'I hope I did a good enough job and I hope we convinced people.' I think we're all just very passionate about this. We are all cautiously optimistic, but then again you never know."

On his feeling on the announcement:

"I'm pretty Zen about it, because at this point we've done what we can do. Maybe even with the presentation, people had their mind made up. Who knows? So you hope that maybe there are few people that are unconvinced, and you convinced them or swayed them one way, but people are going to vote the way they are going to vote and we did our best. I think our presentation was great and we'll see what happens."

On being part of such a unique event as a current player:

"I think it would be good for every player to go through something like this even if you are just watching it in person because it's pretty impressive to see everything that goes on behind the scenes. The thing I've realized more than anything is just how important this event is to everybody. For (a player), it's important to play in it, but you don't realize how important (selecting the host country) is. Everyone is so passionate about it. You look at all the bids, and you look at everyone who is talking about it -- Japan, Korea, Qatar, Australia -- and part of you is like, shoot they deserve it too, so we all deserve it, but I think our country is ready for a big moment like that."

DECISION TIME

For the second time in 2010, the FIFA World Cup promises to deliver incredible drama for soccer fans in the United States – but this time, the anticipation and excitement will happen away from the field. After almost two years of preparations, the USA Bid Committee will find out Thursday whether the 2022 World Cup will be played in the United States when FIFA announces the host countries for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

Related Articles: World Cup 2022

NEWS provided by US Soccer