China should pitch for 'alt World Cup'

So now we know the teams who've made it to the World Cup Finals in Russia, and pub conversations turn in earnest to likely winners, probable losers and potential dark horses.

Stand in any bar and it doesn't take long for words such as "Messi", "Kane" and "Peru?" to come floating to the surface.

It's a great time to be a football fan (this is my tiny part of the universe and I refuse to call it "soccer", no way). Will Belgium finally get its act together? Can Argentina bounce back from that dodgy qualifying campaign? Will Suarez leave his dental implants in someone's shoulder again? So many tantalizing questions.

But if you're from one of the nations that fell short (I'll just gloss over China and Scotland, if it's all the same to you), these discussions can sometimes ring a bit hollow. Cheering for other countries at sporting events has always seemed a bit weird to me.

And what a list of so-called failures it is: Italy, Holland, the United States, Chile - they'll all be warming their sofas next summer.

But not if the rumors coming out of the US turn out to be true. Reports began to surface last week that there are plans to host an "alt World Cup" for the teams that aren't going to Russia. As well as the countries mentioned above, the likes of Wales, Ghana and the Republic of Ireland could also get invites.

Mix in the prospect of Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, the Czech Republic, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkey, Northern Ireland and Greece, as well as a few other wild-cards, and the lineup could be as strong as the real thing.

Which is why China should make a pitch to host the tournament.

The country has made no secret of its aim of becoming a global power in the game. Indeed, last week the national coach, Marcello Lippi, hinted at plans to bid for the 2030 World Cup.

This coming after a meeting in Beijing earlier this year between President Xi Jinping and Gianni Infantino, the head of FIFA.

Such a high-profile tournament taking place here would accomplish several things, quite apart from the potential economic benefits. It would send a powerful message about China's ambitions and showcase the country to a global football audience, as well being the ideal road test for whenever the real thing comes along a few years from now.

One small favor, though: If China does end up hosting it, please invite Scotland. It's probably the only chance we have of playing in a big tournament again.

And another thing...

On the subject of football (still not calling it soccer, sorry), big congratulations to my China Daily colleagues, who won their final match of the season recently. Which isn't a big deal until you consider that it was their only win of the season. That's right. Forty games, one victory. On penalties. So here's to the power of perseverance. And two wins next season.

Contact the writer at graeme@chinadaily.com.cn