Stage Is Set for a Truly Global Feast of Football

摘要

When the clock strikes 2030 hours on Friday, May 31, the much- awaited 2002 World Cup Finals―football's quadrennial showpiece event―will officially get under way when defending-champion France kicks off against Senegal in Seoul. First played in 1930, this is the first time the finals have been held in Asia, the first time they have been co-hosted and with 32 teams competing, it's the biggest tournament so far. There may be more teams than ever, but in reality, it's difficult to envisage any team, bar the usual list of key contenders, walking off with the sport's ultimate prize.