Filed under: United States
Somehow, what should be considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history, a true David v. Goliath moment, came as no surprise whatsoever.The tiny Persian Gulf nation of Qatar -- population 1.7 million, soccer tradition 0 -- beat out the United States and three other countries to host the 2022 World Cup following a FIFA vote in Zurich on Thursday.
In selecting Qatar, and Russia as the 2018 host, the 22-member FIFA executive committee chose the bids that will invite the most suspicion. Both countries lack modern soccer infrastructure, but both have lots of money to spend. The scrutiny into FIFA's dubious dealings will only increase following the announcements.
President Sepp Blatter (right) told the audience in Zurich that FIFA was intrigued by exploring new territory -- Eastern Europe and the Arab world.
The result is a blow to the U.S., which was intent on using the 12-year lead time to grow the interest in the sport and bring more fans, viewers, talent and sponsors to Major League Soccer. An opportunity is lost, but this won't be a step backward. The sport has been growing in America and will continue to do so.
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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2010/12/02/usa-loses-2022-world-cup-bid-to-qatar/
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