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Everton manager David Moyes has endorsed Australia’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup, but said the standard of pitches stood as a potential impediment.
Moyes’ English Premier League club has played two of its three games on a pre-season tour of Australia, and while satisfied with the stadiums he was critical of the playing surfaces at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium and Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.
“You’ve got great stadiums, albeit your pitches aren’t very good,” he said on Wednesday night, after Everton beat the Melbourne Heart 2-0 at Etihad Stadium.
“That’s the one disappointment coming here.
“I thought you’ve got everything, all the sports, all the stadiums, but your fields aren’t made for soccer the way they are back home.”
Moyes said Australia had the capacity to host the world’s biggest sporting event, which would strengthen the code’s following.
“I think Australia should get the World Cup, I think the country can take it,” he said.
“I think it’s important because I see too many rugby league, rugby league, Aussie rules (followers), and soccer’s the main game.
“Let’s get the World Cup here and let’s show them what it really means and what it’s like, because you can certainly host it.
“You have hosted big competitions throughout the world before.”
Everton player Jack Rodwell, who scored the opening goal against the Heart, said he had been happy with the Australian pitches, although they were not of the same standard as those in England.
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