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)
