We in England are excited, as even though our bid has recently been navigating choppy waters - meaning we made a few mistakes and scored a few 'own goals' along the way - indications are that our bid is back on track to host the event in 2018.
BBC news coverage today made interesting listening for me as a football supporter, and especially as a Business Communication Coach and Trainer.
Great emphasis was placed on the fact Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has announced he will not attend tomorrow's ceremony, having previously saying he would only attend if certain Russia would be chosen as 2018 hosts. TV analysts are now frantically trying to figure out if this means Russia is no longer a favourite.
Sebastian Coe, himself part of the bidding team in Zurich with Prince William, David Beckham and UK Prime Minister David Cameron, gave an interesting perspective based on his own success leading London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympic games.
He emphasised the importance of having a clear, focused, and well understood bid. To test it out constantly that the message is getting through, and that the central theme keep being repeated. Finally, he suggested the pivotal 30 minute presentation given by our representatives to the FIFA committee tomorrow must be an Oscar winning performance by each and every one.
I loved his insight. He speaks with the experience of someone who got it right.
This message also applies throughout politics, business, commerce, and of course with international markets. Sport, on so many levels, mirrors and is an allegory of how life is, and the lessons we can learn from it.. At a time when economies are still verging on panic mode, it's important to be clear in what we want, what is right, what we will do, and the reasons we will do it.
Panic and insecurity set in when that communication is lost or somehow not clear.
I wish England success in Zurich tomorrow.
Football is coming home.
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