US waits in wings for Cup

The World Cup could be returning to the US sooner rather than later. The 2010 tournament is scheduled for South Africa, but FIFA president Sepp Blatter hinted that the US could be in line as a substitute if there are organizational delays that year or could be a candidate for 2014.

During an interview on BBC's "Inside Sport" show yesterday, Blatter said he hoped FIFA will continue with its rotation process among continents.

"Personally, I think we should maintain a rotation," Blatter said. "At least with four continents. To take North and South America as one continent, Europe, Africa, and Asia. This would mean that the next World Cup after 2014 would go to Asia."

Though Brazil is currently the sole candidate for 2014, Blatter's plan of uniting the Western Hemisphere makes the US a potential contender.

As for 2010, FIFA has set up contingency plans should South Africa's preparations meet with problems.

"It was the same case in Germany," Blatter said. "Something can happen: a natural catastrophe or whatever, a big change in society, everybody against football. But then, for the time being the Plan B is South Africa, and the Plan C we definitely must have a possibility to go somewhere else, but it must be a natural catastrophe."

Blatter must be careful with his words, especially since this is the first time Africa has been considered seriously to host the World Cup. FIFA is pushing for South Africa to succeed, but the World Cup is a massive undertaking requiring extensive and sophisticated infrastructure. The stakes are extremely high and very little can be left to chance.

This makes the US an excellent alternative. Blatter also listed Australia, England, Japan, Mexico, and Spain on the contingency list. No country can match the US in terms of preparing on short notice and offering likely sellouts at a dozen major venues.

The rotation system was established by FIFA to give other countries a chance at playing host to the Cup, but in practical terms it meant two countries: China and South Africa. China will be the favored candidate for 2018, with Australia as a backup. South Africa had hoped for the 2006 World Cup but was years away from being prepared.

Though Blatter is creating wiggle room now, the World Cup will be played in South Africa someday; if it doesn't happen in 2010, the rotation order could simply be altered to make it happen in 2014.

The Revolution have won the MLS Eastern Conference regular-season title twice since 2002 and have reached the conference playoff final four times in succession. But those accomplishments may be difficult to match this year, judging by the early-season performances of their rivals.

After the first month of the season, three teams are unbeaten, and all three (Chicago, Columbus, New York) play in the Eastern Conference. New York and the Fire are 3-0-1 (10 points), the Red Bulls leading on goal difference, followed by Kansas City (3-1-0, 9 points), the Revolution (2-1-1, 7 points), and Columbus (1-0-3, 6 points).

D.C. United, last year's regular-season champion, is 0-3-0, with home games against the Revolution Thursday and Chivas USA Sunday. United appeared to enter the season with momentum, following strong performances against CD Olimpia and CD Guadalajara in the Champions Cup.

The Revolution defeated FC Dallas, 1-0, Sunday, kicking off a three-games-in-seven-days stint that could set the tone for the season.

Taylor Twellman's spectacular overhead volley past Shaka Hislop provided the difference at Dallas and gave him four goals this season, tops in the league.

It was the first time this year Twellman was paired with Pat Noonan at forward at the start of the game.

"That was one of the best finishes I've seen in a long time," Revolution defender Jay Heaps said. "There was no other place [the shot] could go; it had to go over Shaka's head and then come down under the bar.

"But that's what Taylor does. It's not like it was once in a blue moon; he does that in training. We have the best forwards in the league and we will put them up against anyone."

Agent Federico Pastorello said Giuseppe Rossi's transfer price would be "not less than 15 million euros." Rossi, 20, a Teaneck, N.J., native, has been loaned from Manchester United to Parma and has scored seven goals in 15 Serie A appearances this season. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has not said Rossi is for sale. AS Roma and Sampdoria are hoping to obtain Rossi on loan. Rossi told Guerin Sportivo magazine he grew up playing baseball and soccer in New Jersey but has long hoped to play for Italy's national team.

Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.