Prime Minister confirms bid backing

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd met with members of the Socceroos and Matildas squads today, as he reiterated his government’s stance of bidding for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd met with members of the Socceroos and Matildas squads today, as he reiterated his government-s stance of bidding for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Mr Rudd said the bidding process for the Cup will be the marathon of all marathons, but in typical Aussie fashion said ‘you-ve got to be in to win it-.

The PM will meet with FIFA delegates in Sydney next week, when they gather for the FIFA Congress and re-affirm the governments total support behind the 2018 bid.

“This will be a marathon of all marathons,” he said. “It's going to be as tough as hell, but our approach is you-ve got to be in it to win it.

“We-ve got the gang (FIFA) in town and I am looking forward to speaking with them.

"If we're to take this code to the next level in Australia and secure the 2018 World Cup, it means putting our shoulder well and truly to the wheel."

Mr Rudd has no doubts that Australia would make a bid that would be hard to ignore and said all infrastructure needs will be met.

"When we say we are going to put on a major world sporting event, we get on with the business of putting it on.

"We don't leave anything to risk and that is what I will convey to the FIFA team."

The Prime Minister also met with members of the national men-s and women-s teams as they prepare for their upcoming matches against Ghana and Canada on Friday night and respective major campaigns in the next few weeks.

The Socceroos will embark on a four-game World Cup qualifying run, while the Matildas head to Vietnam on the weekend to play in the AFC Women-s Cup.

Harry Kewell presented Mr Rudd with a Socceroo shirt bearing the number 18, signifying the 2018 bid.

Mr Rudd even acknowledged the two teams as ambassadors for Australia and that in some respects more people observe what they do, then any speech he can deliver around the world.

“Both these teams are great ambassadors for Australia,” he said. "I wish them every success in the upcoming weeks ahead."