Speaking at today’s press conference to announce a Socceroo double for the harbour city, Iemma is thinking big.

Sydney Football Stadium will host the visit of Ghana for a friendly on May 23 with the final World Cup group qualifier against China taking place at ANZ Stadium on June 22.

The Ghana match coincides with the Fifa Congress in May when Australia has a chance to push its case for the 2018 tournament.

That isn’t lost on either Football Federation Australia or Premier Iemma. And the Premier didn’t miss the chance for a dig at Melbourne as he looked further down the track.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “ANZ Stadium would be the perfect venue for a World Cup final because it complies with Fifa regulations.”

Taking a swipe at Melbourne’s premier sporting venue, he said: “What kind of a signal would that send to the world to have a world football final at a cricket ground?

“I’m confident that the FFA will put forward a first rate submission and in doing so we will provide every available assistance.

"All the governments of Australia, national and state, have backed this bid. We are all united to get the World Cup to Australia in 2018.

"We have a great track record in winning major events and then hosting them successfully. Best ever Olympics, best ever Rugby World Cup.”

One grand stadium is not enough to secure a World Cup but Iemma says the foundations are already in place and will be built on.

He said: “The FFA have commissioned an infrastructure audit (as part of the bid). As far as New South Wales is concerned, we are very keen that it include regional venues. I have one in mind, EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle.

“We are investing big dollars to bring it up to international standards. There’s $10 million of Commonwealth money, $30 million of state money, $40 million to start the redevelopment of the western stand and that’s after we funded the development of the eastern stand.

“The State Government is supporting the redevelopment of Parramatta Stadium, Penrith Stadium and there’s potential in other region areas.

“Infrastructure is up to standard and we are already investing in improving it to make it even better so the FFA is in a position to have a range of venues to add that excitement to their submission.”

Asked how many New South Wales venues he would like to see hosting World Cup games, Iemma replied: “I’m not being greedy, as many as possible.

"We’ve a number of venues that comply now. Homebush and the SFS. EnergyAustralia Stadium in a few years will be right up there. After that take your pick out of Central Coast, Wollongong, Campbelltown, Penrith and Parramatta.

"All can be upgraded to bring them up to Fifa standard, to give NSW at least three and possibly five venues that could be available for the FFA to put in its submission.”

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said: “First and foremost it’s important that we show we are capable of hosting a major world event. We are confident the delegates will see what Australia and Sydney has to offer.

“During the week we’ll no doubt have a chance to meet with some of the key decision makers and that’s one of the great advantages of having the Fifa congress here.”