World Cup fever infects Asia

World Cup fever infects Asia

June 10, 2010   04:43 pm

World Cup fever is sweeping across Asiaas hundreds of millions of fans in the football-mad region count down to the start of an event that’s a surefire winner for pubs, clubs and bookmakers.

 

 

From Seoul to Sydney, Beijing to Bangkok, preparations are underway for Friday’s kick-off thousands of miles away in South Africa, heralding a month of late nights and bleary-eyed mornings for many Asian fans.

 

 

“We’re expecting the hotel lounge to be full every night,” said Matthew Rashid, manager of the Equatorial in Kuala Lumpur, where many bars and pubs are already decked out with colourful bunting and posters.

 

 

“Everyone’s excited and I’ll wear a jersey to work throughout the World Cup,” said the Brazil supporter.

 

 

In South Korea, which takes on Greeceon Saturday, giant screens are being set up in public squares, sports stadiums and other locations around the country for people to cheer on the national team.

 

 

On the other side of the world”s most heavily militarised border, North Koreans will be following a rare appearance by their side, who have qualified for the event for the first time in 44 years. – (AFP)

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

LIVE🔴Ada Derana Lunch Time News Bulletin 12.00 pm

LIVE🔴Ada Derana Lunch Time News Bulletin 12.00 pm

President stresses effective use of Rs. 1,400 bln capital allocation in 2025 budget (English)

President says US tariff cut achieved through talks, further reductions sought (English)

Engine fuel supply was cut just before Air India jet crash, preliminary report says (English)

Colombo HC sentences three persons to 20 years RI over Rs. 3.9 bln VAT fraud (English)

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

🔴LIVE | Ada Derana Midday Prime News Bulletin - 2025.07.12

President announces plans to recruit 30,000 public servants after five-year gap (English)