Post date: Dec 02, 2010 5:34:46 PM
Bitter disappointment matches bitter cold in London over failed England 2018 World Cup bid.
LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (DECEMBER 2, 2010) REUTERS - They braved sub-zero temperatures and snow to watch the FIFA decision broadcast live on screens on the banks of the River Thames, but England World Cup bid fans were bitterly disappointed on Thursday (December 2.)
A collective groan went up from the several hundred fans gathered outside City Hall in London, when the giant screeen showed FIFA President Sepp Blatter announcing Russia as the successful bidders to host the 2018 Championships.
"I think gutted is the word to describe how everyone is feeling around here. We had such a build up. Everybody had their hopes like we always do in Britain, we always think we are going to manage it. Sadly not today," said Jaqueline Bell, who had travelled all the way to London from Scotland to support England's bid.
Others were more sceptical about the bidding process.
"It's all about corruption or do I sound as if I've got sour grapes or something like that? Fifa wanted to make their bid into the east and do their bit and obviously they get more back-handers from the Russians don't they," said one man.
With the 2022 World Cup being awarded to Qatar, English fans will be left in the cold for many more years to come before they can hope of returning to the glory days of 1966 when England not only hosted, but won the World Cup.