By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
October 27 – Australia appear to have won the crucial vote of Frank Beckenbauer ahead of their four rivals in the race to stage the 2022 World Cup.
Beckenbauer, arguably the most influential of the eight European members of the FIFA Executive Committee, has gone on record as saying Australia’s experience in hosting successful sports event could end up being a major plus point.
“Australia was a perfect host for the Olympics,” said the German footballing icon.
“They know how to handle these big events.
“The football World Cup - it’s even bigger than the Olympics because it’s more cities, it’s more spectacular than the Olympics.
“I think you can do it.
“There is no doubt that Australia can host the World Cup and organise the World Cup.”
Nicknamed “Der Kaiser” in his playing days and just as successful as national team coach, Beckenbauer has now carved out an equally respected role as a prominent member of FIFA’s Executive Committee.
He told Fox Sports that Australia’s bid to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup was unaffected by the alleged vote-selling scandal.
“I think the Australian bidding process is in a very good way,” he said.
Far from showing only a fleeting interest in Australia, it was Beckenbauer who once advised Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy that Holger Osieck (pictured) should be appointed Socceroos coach.
Osieck coached Canada between 1999 and 2003 and was Beckenbauer’s assistant when Der Kaiser led Germany to 1990 World Cup victory.
“In 1990, [Germany] were ready to win the World Cup – which we did,” Beckenbauer said.
“And one of the key men on my side was Holger Osieck, of course.
“He was not my assistant, he was my partner.
“I like him.
“As a man he is gentle.
“He is really an excellent person, and his knowledge about the game – about football – is fantastic.
“I think it’s an excellent choice from the Football Federation of Australia to hire him as head coach.
“He’s an experienced man.
“Maybe he’s not like [Sir Alex] Ferguson or [Guus] Hiddink, maybe he’s not the most well-known person in the world, but he’s a hard worker, he’s a decent man, he’s an open man, and he’s excellent for the team.
“He likes to deal with the players.”
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