Bid teams pitch for 2018 Cup

Final presentations from countries competing to host the 2018 World Cup are being held in Zurich on Thursday morning.

The joint bid of the Netherlands and Belgium, who are bidding against Russia, England and another joint bid from Spain and Portugal, were the first to state their case.

Dutchman Guus Hiddink took to the stage to declare how the 2000 European Championships, which were co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium, demonstrated how well the two nations could handle a sporting event of that magnitude.

Then Netherlands/Belgium bid chief and former Dutch international star Ruud Gullit heralded the virtues of the country’s ‘green’ focus for the World Cup, and said they would provide two million bikes to help fans move around.

“This is not a gimmick – it is the way our people travel,” Gullit said.

The Dutchman said the small size of both countries would make life much easier for players, officials and supporters.

He said the Netherlands/Belgium bid was a safe option, and he also highlighted how many of their neighbours had hosted World Cups before declaring they too wanted an opportunity.

“We have a great offer. It’s a safe choice in every aspect,” he said.

“We are compact bid and our limited size is our real strength, it makes it easy for players, officials and of course the fans.”

“Holland and Belgium were also among the founders of FIFA.”

More to follow