World Football News: Guus Hiddink happy for Russia to host 2018 World Cup
The legendary former footballer Guus Hiddink has praised the Russian efforts in capturing the 2018 World Cup. He congratulated the Russian board in being able to acquire the rights when he applauded the sport they got to host the final stages of the tournament.
While talking to media the 64-year-old manager stated that he nonetheless was disappointed when Netherlands-Belgium flunked to obtain the hosting rights. He was critical when he commented on the failed committee who were unable to reach the final privileges.
Hiddink was the person who took Netherlands to the semi finals in the World Cup of 1998. He also happened to be the coach of Russia’s international squad from 2006 to 2010. At the moment he is coaching the Turkish national squad.
In a press release the former De Graafschap mentioned that he was happy for his Russian friends and while stating that he remembered to be appreciative of the efforts put in by Netherlands and Belgium.
While talking to media he stated, “I congratulated my old friends, Vitaly Mutko, Roman (Abramovic), Valery Gergiev and of course (Andrei) Arshavin and I am happy for them," Hiddink told the press at the ceremony in Zurich. "I will go out there soon."
The former Oranje added, "I will be too old to coach the Russia team in 2018."
Hiddink like his ever straight forward personality also commented on the chance of his motherland and Belgium hosting the World Cup, "I am disappointed that Russia won," he told NOS. "We put forward an excellent presentation but clearly it did not
prove to be decisive. But if someone else had to win then Russia.”
He continued, "Our 2018 World Cup bid was not successful but in sport there can only be one winner. Congratulations to Russia. If you never make an attempt at it, you will never win. This is the narrative for the whole of Belgium and the Netherlands: just keep
going and take risks.”
He stated that the future of Russia in world football was very bright, he stated, “This will mean a big boost for football in Russia, when you think of all the great stadiums that will be built.”
The former Real Madrid manager stated, "It will also be really good for the Russian economy. It could be very good that many international companies can now invest there."
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