JUST HAPPY TO BE THERETHESE 2002 WORLD CUP co-hosts have two proverbial chances to hold the
World Cup trophy aloft: slim and none. In 2002,
Korea Republic registered a 3-2-2 mark and finished fourth. In other competitions, the Koreans are 1-11-5.
Japan recorded a 2-1-1 mark and reached the second round. But in other Cups, the Japanese are 0-5-1.
20 THINGS THAT ARE BOUND TO HAPPEN AT A WORLD CUP1 A Third World country will surprise a
soccer power with a win or a tie.
2 A player will argue with his
coach and then be sent home.
3 A gaffe by a referee or linesman will decide a close game.
4 A star player will miss a key penalty kick during a tiebreaker.
5 One country will offer a team myriad riches if it advances or does well.
6 A coach will be ejected.
7 Brazil’s fans will samba for 31 days.
8 When the host team wins a game, its fans will party all night.
9 The broadcast signal for one game will be sent to the wrong country.
10 A player will be suspended for taking drugs.
11 A relatively unknown player will be given international acclaim for scoring a vital goal.
12 One coach will be fired a day after his team is eliminated.
13 A superpower will finish second in its group but get an easier way through the tournament.
14 At least one superstar will experience a miserable World Cup.
15 A teenager will make a dynamic debut.
16 A veteran will play in his final competition in an emotional farewell.
17 A star will miss a game because his stomach has not adapted to the environment.
18 A team will accuse another of spying on its practice session.
19 A team will threaten to go on strike unless it receives more bonus money.
20 A team that has done horrendously during its World Cup warmups will surprise.