By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 21 – Spain’s World Cup victory has given a massive lift to the country’s joint bid with Portugal to host the 2018 tournament, Sports Minister Jaime Lissavetzky has claimed.
They added the sport’s biggest trophy in South Africa to their Euro 2008 triumph and have established themselves as one of the greatest sides in history.
“The [European] win in 2008 closed an era and the World Cup triumph in 2010 opened a new era in which there are no limits,” said Lissavetzky.
“We have to be capable of living our dreams and keep alive our ambitions and continue with fair play.”
Those ambitions include hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1982.
“The Government will give all of its efforts and dedication in support of the project – winning the World Cup has made this country’s football visible to everyone,” Lissavetzky said.
But Spain and Portugal face tough competition from England and Russia to host the 2018 World Cup, Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Angel Maria Villar warned and promised that they will not get complacent.
“It will be tremendously difficult,” he said.
“Now we can publicly say that we are the best.
“It’s not the sort of thing that I like to say, but it’s the truth.
“We play admirable football and we are leaders in the FIFA ranking, but that is not going to change our attitude.
“After winning one game there is always another to be played.”
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