World of Chig   

18.6.02

[14.40] Such drama enfolding before my eyes in the World Cup. With South Korea just two minutes away from going out of the competition to one measly Italian goal, they equalised. I'm surprised a tsunami hasn't overwhelmed Japan, as it looked like the whole population of South Korea jumped for joy at the same time. The Koreans have definitely been the fans of the tournament. There were apparently 300,000 of them gathered somewhere in Seoul to watch their last game on a big screen, and authorities are estimating 1.25 million people are on the streets of the capital right now. They've reportedly sold five million of their Red Devil shirts in the last few days, and Korea ran out of red dye for a few days! Just listening to Nicky Campbell, broadcasting live from Seoul this morning, was making me feel quite emotional. If they win now, the country will go BONKERS, especially as Japan were jettisoned this morning, and for all their friendliness, Korea love to get one up on their neighbours. They've managed that already, just by scoring against Italy and forcing extra time, neither of which Japan managed against Turkey earlier today. And now, Totti has been sent off, so not only are Italy down to ten men, but Totti will presumably be banned from the next game if they get through. First half of extra time over, and still 1-1. I hate golden goal extra time, but if only South Korea could do it now....Fingers crossed. Italy have gone out of the last three World Cups on penalties, so they have an incentive not to go there again...

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