Freeman gives Australian bid golden glow

Freeman memorably won Olympic gold in the 400 metres at Stadium Australia 10 years ago, and relived the experience to the six FIFA delegates who are currently touring the nine countries bidding to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

"We have such a strong sporting culture in Australia and the support I got that night was amazing. I could feel them willing me on and I just rode the wave," Freeman said.

"We have a great record in holding major events and if we get a FIFA World Cup we would do a great job."

The delegation, led by Chilean Football Federation president Harold Mayne-Nicholls, also witnessed a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony welcome at the Opera House before hearing their first detailed briefing from the FFA Bid team.

"For us it is a real pleasure to be here in your beautiful country and we are sure that during this stay we will learn a lot about your people, your Bidding book and your ability to hold big events," Mayne-Nicholls said.

"We hope also that you will be in a position to ask us all the questions you need to resolve before we write the final report to the FIFA Executive Committee members.

"Thanks for a beautiful welcome and for being with us in this beautiful city."

Ten Australian cities will host matches as a part of their bid with three new stadiums to be built in the capital Canberra, Perth and at Blacktown in western Sydney.

Australia is the third stop on the FIFA delegation's inspection tour, following which they will submit a report to assist FIFA's 24 executive members select a host for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

FIFA will announce the winning bids in Zurich in December.