The 2002 FIFA World Cup recently held in both Japan and the Republic of Korea was also the first held in Asia. It kept an estimated worldwide audience in excess of 1 billion riveted to match broadcasts for almost a month with the kind of exciting plays only world-class players can produce.

The national squad responded marvelously to the nation's expectations by reaching the final 16 for the first time in history.

I, like many other fans, had to be content with watching the World Cup on television.