South Korea sees hope in World Cup

The Korea Herald, Asia News Network, Seoul

One day is still left before the opening of the World Cup finals, but the tournament started Sunday for Koreans. Setting the hitherto half-hearted local fans alight was the unexpectedly brave and brilliant performance of their national squad against defending champion France in the final warm-up before the opening of the tournament.

The greatest outcome of Sunday's friendly match was the confidence among the Korean players that their advancing to the second round is no longer a mere dream. The 3-2 defeat was also the best result that the hosts could hope for. A surprise upset or even a tie would have slackened their tension, by overestimating their capability. Coach Guus Hiddink was right in harshly rebuking his team for failing to concentrate until the last minute. Cutthroat World Cup matches would be totally different from a tune-up game.

So let us leave the results of the games to the Dutch helmsman and his magnificent 23. Instead, the other sectors of the nation should focus on what they are supposed to do. The first and foremost task would be watertight security against possible terrorist attacks. There are reports that some agents of the al- Qaeda group are attempting to infiltrate into the country or might have already done so. This requires extremely meticulous preparations to guard against their threats to commit another attack against Americans, including those overseas.

It was disappointing and worrisome in this regard that an unidentified man posing as a reporter for Britain's Sunday Mirror could cheat organizing committee officials into issuing an ID card to him Sunday. The organizers later made the same mistake of giving an ID card to an unqualifying operation personnel. There have been no reports of similar blunders from the co-host, Japan. The related authorities should waste no time in ferreting out these impostors with the help of their Japanese counterparts and Interpol.

Along with the improved play of the national team, there are other favorable signs heralding the successful hosting of the global soccer festival, such as the onrush of foreign tourists. The organizers should make perfect last-minute preparations for accommodation, transportation and maintenance of order around stadiums.

To our relief, the political opposition and labor unions are also showing signs of restraint. The entire nation should join forces to leave the legacy of the most successful World Cup to descendents.