For a soccer lover, it's heaven.

• Author: Frischeisen, Alejandro
• Position: Passing By - World unites for soccer's World Cup

As the whole world watched the final match on 30 June of the one-month-long 2002 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, held for the first time in Asia, Brazil, for the fifth time in the Cup's history, came out victorious, beating Germany 2-0.

I started playing soccer as a toddler, and watching and playing the game was my favourite activity then, and continues to be now. So when I was asked to attend on 23 April a reception offered by the Permanent Missions of Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to kick off the World Cup, I was ecstatic.

The World Cup is the most highly-regarded and esteemed event by soccer-playing nations all over the world. Held every four years, Japan and the Republic of Korea this year received the honour that comes with hosting the World Cup. This was the first time in FIFA history that two nations co-hosted the World Cup. In addition to this significant fact, it was also dedicated to children and to a sport free of tobacco.

At the reception, I was very impressed at how the two Missions handled it in a warm and courteous way. Assorted sushi, dumplings and various other traditional foods were enjoyable. Some of the organizers even dressed in traditional blue Japanese "happi" coats. During the evening, speeches were made by the Presidents of the Japanese and Korean Societies, the Deputy Sports Commissioner of New York City, and the ROK Ambassador to the United Nations.

Hiroyuki Takenaga of Asahi Shimban International, Inc., whom I had the pleasure to interview, said of the japanese, "They are excited because soccer is getting popular in Japan. [They are] happy to have it." The two most popular sports there are baseball and soccer, so it was no surprise when tickets sold out quickly for the World Cup. Mr. Takenaga spoke of the measures taken to ensure a smooth-running world event. New stadiums were built. The major one--the International Stadium Yokohama--seats 70,000. Others include the Nagai Stadium, Kobe Wing Stadium, Saitama Stadium 2002 and Miyagi Stadium.

"The Republic of Korea and Japan are providing the tourists and players with an assortment of hotels, shopping districts, and modes of transportation to make their stay all the better." He added that they were very proud of the stadiums that were built for that occasion. When I left the reception, I had the feeling that I had been present in some of the stadiums as there were beautiful posters on display, and one could appreciate...