Russia 2018 & Qatar 2012

The hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups have been selected: they are Russia and Qatar. Russia beat out Engl... wait, what? QATAR?! Qatar is only the size of Connecticut, and it's a tad warm there isn't it?

Those were my thoughts as I chuckled after first hearing of Qatar's bid last year. I thought it was absurd. But then I saw what they were planning. The stadia they plan to build are unbelievable, the money at hand is limitless. And then I thought you know what, it's not that crazy. They could pull it off. Besides, the only other bid for 2022 I liked was Australia's. Japan and South Korea were both bidding to get it for themselves even as they co-hosted it only back in 2002. Too soon. Also too soon for the United States who had it in 1994. So I'm actually kind of glad, the construction projects are going to spur pretty amazing architectural and engineering projects.

But then I remembered why I also thought it was a bad idea. It's the same reason I don't like the fantasy land that is the United Arab Emirates, what with their artificially created palm shape island chains and ski slopes. It's not that I'm a kill-joy, it's that I hate to have fun on the backs of the poor souls imported from third world countries who actually work the brick and mortar for these projects. These workers from varied third-world countries like Bangladesh come so they can send some money back to their families. The working conditions they endure, however, are appalling. They live in shantytowns, have no rights, and they're paid peanuts. Peanuts their families appreciate, sure, but these workers are virtual slaves. So let's hope that human rights groups really shine a light on this during the preparations, and hopefully it'll all lead to positive reforms. But anyway.

I am not displeased that Russia got 2018 though I wanted England to have it, it was just time. The infrastructure improvements that'll come from this will be great for Russia though, should be fun too.

Until then, here's to Brazil 2014! I pick Uruguay to win it, just as they did the last time the World Cup was in Brazil! Just kidding. It's pretty much Brazil's to lose.