Australian World Cup offers "exceptional" opportunity claims Cahill

May 1 – Everton midfield player Tim Cahill (pictured) has claimed that Australia offers FIFA an “exceptional” opportunity if they are chosen to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

The country’s bid has run into major problems recently with the rival football codes, particularly Australian rules, opposing it because of fears that they would have to abandon their own seasons.

But Cahill, one of the most consistent players in the Premier League, claims that Australia is a better choice than its rivals, Japan, Qatar, South Korea and the United States, who are expected to fight out it for the 2022 World Cup if, as is expected , the 2018 tournament is awarded to one of the European bidders.

He told the Herald-Sun: ”For Australian football, the heritage that we have and what we can give to the world is exceptional.

“What it can do for the kids of Australia and the [game’s] development, everything all in together, it would be a travesty not to show people Australia and what we have to offer.

”The food, the beaches, the lifestyle, the multiculturalism.

“The experience of [being with] great people.”

But Cahill, capped 37 times, admitted that the sport in Australia would be the biggest winner if they are awarded the World Cup.

He said: ”It would be great for the world but the greatest gain would be the development of football in Australia.”