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| Sunday, 26 May 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Korea/Japan
soccer World Cup attracts over 42 billion
by Leslie Fernando The biggest football jamboree, the World Cup with an estimated 42 billion television audience and 32 teams competing is about to kick off after months of anticipation. Tickets, security and possible transport strike have taken a highest profile than the football build up for this May 31 to June 30 event. Now it's time for the players to come to the fore. Governments have fallen, fans have died, marriages have been wrecked and friendship ruined in the wake of World Cup results and the nervous tension will be just as frantic this time. Colombia's Andres Escobar was killed following an own goal in 1994 to illustrate how the form of an international footballer is a life or death business. France, Uruguay, Brazil, Germany, Cameroon, Argentina, England, Italy are tipped to move to the quarter finals from the teams taking part in the final draw. Only seven nations have won the cup - Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Uruguay, France and England. The event has been South America versus Europe context with the South Americas ending ahead eight wins to seven when Brazil won their fourth tournament in 1994. There have been 20 European finalists out of 30 but when Andress Brehme scored from the penalty spot at the Rome Olympic Stadium in 1990 to earn Germany a revenge win over Argentina it was the first time an European side had beaten to South America one in seven finals. Brazil have won four of five finals while Germany have regularly proved their durability reaching six finals and winning three of them. Germany is also the only team to have competed in three successive finals and reached the quarter finals in all but the 1938 and 1978 events. The football purists will be hoping regardless of who wins the Korea/Japan 2002 that the tournament will be remembered for its exciting fare. Over the years goals have dried up as organisation rather than inspiration has become the trend just compare Brazil's champions in 1970 and 1994. What can be certain is that villains heroes, controversies, sportsmanship, breathtaking skill, appealing, defensive and refereeing errors as well as the euphoria of a last minute winner will be on the menu for a feast of unforgettable entertainment. How the World Cup finals went - continuation from last Sunday May 19. |
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