Fifa, we miss you

Tomorrow, we will announce the winner of the "Be the Face" of the bid contest.

Today, we want to highlight the last runner-up: John Smith from Seattle, WA. John writes:

Dear FIFA,

We miss you! The last time you came, you unlocked the soccer passion beating in the hearts of millions of Americans. We cannot wait for your return.

Since that time, we've built our own world-class league, and spent hundreds of millions on jerseys, scarves, and kits.

I'm proud to be one of our professional league's most ardent supporters for my home team, the Seattle Sounders FC, which regularly outdraws Premier League and La Liga teams. The next time you come visit, our passions will be on full display.

Futbol has the chance to move to center stage in American sport. You will find little competition for our attention and our sporting dollars during your summer visit, and we will rabidly buy up every Messi, Donovan, and Ronaldo jersey on sale.

Because we are a country of the world, we will present a tournament for the world.

Know that we will put our best efforts forward to make the games a success - world-class marketing, stadium venues, tourism, and transportation.

Come back to the USA dear FIFA World Cup. 24 years is too long!

Yours truly in soccer,

John L. Smith