The dominant news topic of the last forty-eight hours has been the 2018/2022 World Cup bid presentations and the eventual selection of Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022) to host those tournaments. The Bent Musket isn’t really a forum for me to express my opinions on that decision, but I’ll do it anyway.
I’m infuriated.
In the interest of keeping obscenity and profanity out of this publication I will refrain from elaborating. On the other hand, I will provide an assortment of links to broadsheets across the internets concerning the bids, and other news about the beautiful game.
Raf Crowley presents an interesting position defending the choice of Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. [The Yanks Are Coming]
The Fan’s Attic over at Unprofessional Foul brings us yesterday’s winners and losers in the aftermath of FIFA’s decision [Unprofessional Foul]
The Globe is running an AP wire with a fairly in-depth analysis of the USA’s failure in its last two attempts to win the right to host an international tournament [Boston.com]
Matthew at The Shin Guardian argues that miscalculation, not naivety, cost the USA the opportunity to host the 2022 World Cup [The Shin Guardian]
Here’s a quick rundown of your televised soccer events coming up this weekend [Soccer Insider]
Brian Straus, who was a guest on Al Jazeera during the bidding process, describes Sunil Gulati and the USA Bid Committee’s reactions to the decision, and gives his opinion [Fanhouse Soccer]
Remember when the San Jose Clash moved to Houston amid promises of a stadium deal that never materialized? Looks like they’re finally getting what they wanted all along [Dynamo Theory]
Jordan Wise on SBNation has the leaked design for Houston’s 2011 home strip. Hop in your time machines, folks, it’s the ‘90s all over again [SBNation Houston]
Drew Epperley sheds some light on the MLS Re-Entry Draft and has published a list of eligible players. Apparently the Revs are not releasing anyone [WVHooligan]
Back to what really matters – Qatari Stadium Porn! [Unprofessional Foul]
Robert Jonas re-evaluates the Qatar bid and asks what the USA can learn from this experience [Match Fit USA]
Proving that their staggering work ethic is trumped only by their diversity of content, Unprofessional Foul features again with BG talking about beach soccer [Unprofessional Foul]
USMNT midfielder Jose Francisco Torres says he’s open to an MLS move [mlssoccer.com]
Don’t forget to submit your questions for Taylor Twellman [revolutionsoccer.net]