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A beautiful Red sunset

Crowds supporting Korea in the rain
Crowds framed by umbrellas

Unlucky Korea went out to the Cup last night… rather overpowered by a German team playing a similar style of football – a disciplined team game with little flair and much hard work. Korea had far fewer chances than they did against any of the latin teams that they put out of the competition, and in the end, succumbed to the sustained German pressure.

Restaurant shows the game and provides the soundtrack
Our restaurant both shows the game and provides the soundtrack

We watched the game in the Korean enclave of Tokyo, surrounded by both Japanese and Koreans cheering for the Reds. I too cheered for the locals, despite being half German – the other half of me is Polish, and the Koreans put them out of contention in the first game… but most of all I supported Korea because I really wanted to see Tokyo flooded with Korean supporters at the weekend.

No doubt in Phil's mind, however
No doubt in Phil’s mind, however…

Michael shows his colours
…Michael shows his colours…

The Japanese are offering mixed support
…while the Japanese offered mixed support

But it was Germany’s night, with Michael Ballack scoring the winning goal – knowing he wouldn’t be playing in the Final. I don’t care what nationality you are, that’s gotta hurt.

A stellated cube made from a single square, no cuts, no glue
Black belt origami in honour of Korea’s spirit

The Koreans were as gracious in defeat as they were exuberant in victory, and I left the restaurant where we watched the game marvelling at the generosity and enthusiasm that they have shown throughout the competition. And they still get to play again in Korea for third/fourth place… whatever happens in the game, Korea should go wild again.

I say, jolly good show, what?

Written by on Wednesday, June 26th, 2002

1 comment on this post

  1. Commiserations to the Koreans. Great football and great fans!

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The Ball 2018 left England on 25th March 2018 and travelled to the World Cup in Russia.

The Ball 2014 kicked off from England on 9th Jan 2014 and headed to the World Cup in Brazil.

The Ball 2010 left England on 24th Jan 2010 headed to the Opening Ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Ball 2006 travelled from London to the Opening Ceremony in Munich, Germany.

The Ball 2002 was carried 7000 miles across Europe and Asia to the World Cup finals in Korea & Japan.