If you think the Sydney Olympics were good, then hand us the FIFA World Cup and we’ll go one better.
That’s the message from Harry Kewell to the FIFA Executive Committee, as bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups intensifies.
The 2000 Olympics were widely regarded as the greatest ever but Socceroos attacker Kewell believes plans that are being put in place by the bid team will ensure that that FIFA tournament will cause even more ripples throughout the world.
“FFA seem to be doing a good job. Everything that I have seen so far and been involved with looks very impressive and hopefully it will convince the people who vote to pick us,’’ Kewell told www.australia2018-2022.com.au.
“I have no doubt that Australia would do an even better job than we did with the Olympics and everyone still says they were the best ever.
’’The winning bids will be announced in December next year and in the meantime Kewell could have just as much influence as the official bid team when the Qantas Socceroos grace the FIFA World Cup stage for the second consecutive time.
With the 24-man World Cup voting panel watching intently, a credible showing would certainly not hurt Australia’s credibility.
So how are the Socceroos shaping up for South Africa 2010, having played plenty of games in the last few months?
“To be honest it's too early to tell. It's all about our form and team work just before the World Cup starts,’’ he said.
“What we are like now does not count for anything if we don't do well at the World Cup.’’
Harry will be honing himself in Istanbul, where he is enjoying a stellar spell with Turkish giants Galatasaray.
After a disappointing 2008-09 campaign Gala, now coached by Dutch legend Frank Rijkaard, have turned around their fortunes and are locked in a typically titanic battle with local rivals Fenerbahce and Besiktas.
Kewell’s form has been sensational, which has seen him assume celebrity status in the Turkish capital after joining from English giants Liverpool.
“We have started off well but it is a season with a lot of games due to the World Cup next year, so we need to make sure that we keep fit and remain focused to stay at our very best,’’ Kewell said.
“Istanbul itself is a great city with a great lifestyle. From day one I really enjoyed living here and now that I know the place better, being my second season obviously, it's even more enjoyable.
“It’s difficult to compare both places (Liverpool and Istanbul), because in their own way they are special and I’m glad that I have had the opportunity to live in both.
“I knew very little about Istanbul before I got here so it was a pleasant surprise in a lot of ways.’’
The 2006 FIFA World Cup holds mixed memories for Kewell, who netted the goal against Croatia which propelled the Socceroos into the knockout phase. Unfortunately an injury meant he was unable to watch the second round match against Italy.
However, overall the tournament was deemed a success in a tournament of firsts for Australia, whose one and only prior appearance was in 1974, four years before Kewell was born.
And the appointment of Rijkaard brought with it a familiar face. His new coach brought in fellow Dutchman Johan Neeskens as assistant – the same Neeskens that assisted Guus Hiddink during his time in charge with Australia.
“It's always good to work with people you know and respect so Johan being around makes training and playing even better,’’ Kewell said.
And finally, where will Harry Kewell be between 2018 and 2022?
“No idea,’’ he laughs. “As a footballer you don't think that far out.’’
