I have been a supporter of soccer since the age of 11 after my return from Europe. Since soccer was not popular in North America, I started to listen to the shortwave radio stations such as the BBC in order to listen to many games.

When I lived in Venezuela during the late 1970’s and Early 1980’s, I listened to the 1978 World Cup on my shortwave radio. Every place that I lived such as the Dominican Republic and Europe, I listened to each World Cup.

I will also never forger listening to Deutsche Welle for the Bundesliga or Radio Nacional de Espa~na for the games from La Liga. My favourite teams were Brazil, Germany, and Spain.

When the World Cup first came to the USA in 1994, I was overjoyed and watched as the USA started to learn about soccer. It was also great to find out that the MLS and other leagues were formed.

There was a journalist who had asked me about the future of football [soccer] in America, my response was to talk about the schools and various soccer academies.

I even told him the story about a person who drove from Arizona to Washington State and finally to Illinois to see Manchester United.

There are many people in America who love soccer and have supported the team throughout the games. Many cheered as the USA won the CONCACAF and classified for the World Cup.

Who could forget that the stadiums were filled with supporters of the US Soccer Team chanting «USA USA USA»?

It is hoped that FIFA would consider the USA as a host for the 2018/2022 World Cup.