Rudd scores a goal for Oz

9 July 2009-SBS

Lending a hand... Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (right) pitching the country's World Cup hosting credentials to FIFA boss Sepp Blatter (Getty)

Australia's push to win the right to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup gained momentum when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd met FIFA president Sepp Blatter at the game's headquarters in Zurich.

In a private meeting that lasted more than an hour, Rudd outlined Australia's claims to host the greatest show on earth.

He was accompanied by Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy AC, FFA chief executive Ben Buckley and FIFA chief executive Jerome Valcke.

Lowy said that the Australian delegation received a very warm reception from the FIFA president.

"President Blatter is already well aware of Australia's strong track record in hosting major events," Lowy said.

"But it was a very good opportunity for Mr Blatter to hear personally from the prime minister of the government's support for the bid.

"We also spoke of the importance of Asia for the future growth and development of football and Australia's place as part of the Asian Football Confederation.

“Asia is on the rise economically, in terms of goods and services as well as in football.”

Lowy again took the opportunity to urge all Australians to get behind the bid.

"This bid is for football but, above all else, it is for Australia," he said.

FFA will be required to make a final presentation to football’s world governing body in December 2010 prior to the decision by the 24-man FIFA executive committee.

Individuals and organisations can join the bid by signing up at www.australia2018-2022.com.au.