When FIFA awarded the 2002 World Cup to South Korea and Japan, it was a first time two nations were to host such an event. A second (particularity)is that this is the first World Cup to be hosted in Asia. No wonder then that the two countries have done their best to make the hosting, not only a memorable one, but the best that football event that has ever been.

A brief profile of the two countries and their host cities shows that Asians are ready to give the world the best they have to offer, to make both the visitors and the sportsmen a memorable event. The red carpet is out and so is the silverware!

• Japan
• South Korea