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31.10.2007 Sports News

Canada Bids For 2011 World Cup

31.10.2007 LISTEN
By Daily Graphic

FIFA president Sepp Blatter praised Canada's success in increasing the popularity of soccer at home, following the North American delegation's final bid presentation last Monday, to host the women's 2011 World Cup.

Germany also wants to host the tournament and FIFA's decision is expected at noon EDT.

Canada's bid was based on its successful staging of the Under-20 World Cup this summer, which set attendance records both for Canadian sporting events as well as FIFA Under-20 tournaments.

Canada had showed "what football can be in a country where so far football was not the sport No. 1," Blatter said. "We appreciate what you've done and we have good hopes for you and what you can do in the future.

"But we are in a competition and in competition there is always a winner and a loser. So I wish you well."

Peter Montopoli, a senior official for the Under-20 World Cup, said around 1.2 million spectators attended the 52-game tournament that was held June 30-July 22.

"It was a tremendous success in our country," Montopoli said. "This one tournament captivated our entire country. All matches were televised in Canada and at least one third of Canadians watched at least one match.

"For 30 days soccer owned our country. We see this happening again in 2011 for the Women's World Cup."
The Canadians promised to again televise all matches for 2011.

Germany made its presentation after Canada. Germany produced FIFA's most financially successful World Cup ever in 2006. The German women won this year's World Cup without allowing a single goal.

— AP

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