SYDNEY: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd yesterday officially launched Australia's bid to host the soccer World Cup in 2018 or 2022, saying the challenge was great but the prize was even greater.

Rudd told an official ceremony at Parliament House in the national capital Canberra that Football Federation Australia (FFA) had the full backing of his government to bid for the showpiece event.

"The sheer odds are tough against Australia, eight other countries, but the reason the government has got behind the bid is that we as a nation can rise behind this great bid," Rudd said.