Heather du Plessis-Allan: Despite the issues, the World Cup will be a global success

0.031 - 14.83 Mike Hosking

Now, you know what I've learned to never, ever do? It's to predict that this year the Football World Cup is going to be a flop, because it never is. Yes, yeah, absolutely they've got problems. I mean, this year they've got problems anywhere you care to look. A single ticket is so pricey it would take you three months to pay it off. Security is ridiculous.

15.231 - 19.797 Mike Hosking

Parking itself costs about 300 American dollars. Water costs 10 New Zealand dollars.

19.897 - 34.958 Mike Hosking

Everything's a rip-off. The US won't let in an African referee. Iran doesn't want to be there. They're our first up match. It's too hot. There are too many teams. Three host nations is a nightmare. Now, maybe this is it. Maybe this is the year that it all implodes for FIFA. But I suspect it isn't.

35.279 - 51.887 Mike Hosking

I suspect this World Cup is going to go off, just like the one without the beer in Qatar, just like the one with all the corruption in Russia, just like the one where the pickpockets are going to steal everyone's stuff in Brazil. In the end, despite everyone hating FIFA and their decisions, the World Cup itself is actually successful. And the reason is simple.

52.308 - 65.971 Mike Hosking

It's because fans want to see the stars. And this is where they see the stars. And more importantly, this is where they see the stars playing for their country, not some club in Europe. Hate FIFA as much as you want? This is a good thing. We do not at the moment have a lot of global moments to celebrate together.