Spain plan 2018 World Cup bid with Portugal
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) plans to submit a joint bid with Portugal to host the 2018 World Cup.
''The board have finalised today the formal tender for Spain's candidature to organise the 2018 World Cup to be held jointly with Portugal,'' the RFEF said in a statement on Tuesday.
The winning bid will be announced in December 2010.
European champions Spain and Portugal declared their interest in hosting the tournament after FIFA said it would welcome bids for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Spain, alone or with Portugal, were strong candidates for 2018, as were England and the Netherlands with Belgium.
Australia, China, Mexico and Russia have also expressed interest.
Spain have not hosted the World Cup since 1982, but Portugal built 10 new stadiums to host the European Championship in 2004.
The 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa while Brazil will host the 2014 tournament.
''The board have finalised today the formal tender for Spain's candidature to organise the 2018 World Cup to be held jointly with Portugal,'' the RFEF said in a statement on Tuesday.
The winning bid will be announced in December 2010.
European champions Spain and Portugal declared their interest in hosting the tournament after FIFA said it would welcome bids for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Spain, alone or with Portugal, were strong candidates for 2018, as were England and the Netherlands with Belgium.
Australia, China, Mexico and Russia have also expressed interest.
Spain have not hosted the World Cup since 1982, but Portugal built 10 new stadiums to host the European Championship in 2004.
The 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa while Brazil will host the 2014 tournament.
Burley paves way for Boyd's Scotland return
Scotland manager George Burley has paved the way for Kris Boyd to make a surprise return to the national team.
The Rangers striker, 25, claimed he would never play for Burley again after being left on the bench against Norway in a World Cup qualifier in October.
He has since gone on to enjoy some of the best form of his career and has brought his tally for the season so far to 18 goals.
Burley admits he would now be ''open'' to Boyd ending his self-imposed exile from international football.
He told the Scottish Sun: ''Kris is his own man and he made his decision. That's up to him.
''But, if he changes his mind, I am open. I am the manager of Scotland and my duty is to pick the best squad.
''Whether it is Kris Boyd, or whoever else who wants to play, if they are doing well and available, I will consider them.''
Burley added: ''What happened two months ago means nothing, I just move on to the next squad.
''I watch to see who is scoring and will pick the best person. It's simple. Kris is playing regularly for his club and is getting goals. He is doing very well.''
The Rangers striker, 25, claimed he would never play for Burley again after being left on the bench against Norway in a World Cup qualifier in October.
He has since gone on to enjoy some of the best form of his career and has brought his tally for the season so far to 18 goals.
Burley admits he would now be ''open'' to Boyd ending his self-imposed exile from international football.
He told the Scottish Sun: ''Kris is his own man and he made his decision. That's up to him.
''But, if he changes his mind, I am open. I am the manager of Scotland and my duty is to pick the best squad.
''Whether it is Kris Boyd, or whoever else who wants to play, if they are doing well and available, I will consider them.''
Burley added: ''What happened two months ago means nothing, I just move on to the next squad.
''I watch to see who is scoring and will pick the best person. It's simple. Kris is playing regularly for his club and is getting goals. He is doing very well.''
Croatia coach Bilic to quit after 2010 World Cup
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is confident his team will qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals and plans to quit his post for club management at the end of the qualifying campaign.
"We can still catch up with group leaders England if they slip up somewhere and even if we don't, we should finish ruuners-up and get another chance to qualify through the play-offs," Bilic told daily Sportske Novosti.
"I will stay at the helm until the end of our 2010 World Cup campaign, not a second longer because four years in charge is enough," he said.
Bilic, who took over in 2006, steered Croatia to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals after twice beating England in their qualifying group to eliminate them from the finals.
The exit forced England's former manager Steve McClaren to make way for Italian Fabio Capello, who put England in the driving seat to reach South Africa in 2010 with four straight wins in Group Six, including a 4-1 away rout of the Croatians.
"England are in a commanding position to cross the finish line first but things can change, I have a hunch it won't be a walk in the park for them," Bilic said.
"We are not too happy with our performances but it's all about getting the points now and we are used to playing under pressure so we're optimistic."
England lead with 12 points from four games, ahead of Croatia and Ukraine who have seven each.
Croatia are away to Andorra in their next qualifier on April 1, when England are at home to Ukraine.
"I will stay at the helm until the end of our 2010 World Cup campaign, not a second longer because four years in charge is enough," he said.
Bilic, who took over in 2006, steered Croatia to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals after twice beating England in their qualifying group to eliminate them from the finals.
The exit forced England's former manager Steve McClaren to make way for Italian Fabio Capello, who put England in the driving seat to reach South Africa in 2010 with four straight wins in Group Six, including a 4-1 away rout of the Croatians.
"England are in a commanding position to cross the finish line first but things can change, I have a hunch it won't be a walk in the park for them," Bilic said.
"We are not too happy with our performances but it's all about getting the points now and we are used to playing under pressure so we're optimistic."
England lead with 12 points from four games, ahead of Croatia and Ukraine who have seven each.
Croatia are away to Andorra in their next qualifier on April 1, when England are at home to Ukraine.
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