New chance for Asian soccer

New chance for Asian soccer

HONG KONG (AFP): Japan and South Korea kick off an important stage of their campaigns to stage the 2002 World Cup when Asia's premier club competition over the next few days.

The East Asian super powers are entering the home straight in their multi-million-dollar race to host the 2002 World Cup, with world governing body FIFA set to make a decision early next year.

The 15th Asian Club Championship, which involves 27 of the Asian Football confederation's 44 member countries, will give the two countries a final chance to prove who is stronger on the pitch.