JEDDAH, 5 June— After yesterday’s World Cup results, the question uppermost in the minds of football fans was whether the European hegemony over the game was on the wane. While Asians said their teams had definite prospects of reaching the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, Westerners were skeptical.
Among the happiest over South Korea’s 2-0 win over Poland was H.K. Seo, Korean general manager of LG Electronics in Jeddah. "After today’s win, our country is proud to have co-hosted the tournament. We’ve been investing a lot of money in the game on a long-term basis and we’ve started getting returns. For Koreans the World Cup is a testing ground to plan our vision for the future."
Usman Irumbuzhi of Jeddah’s Saudi Indian Football Forum, however, felt that Europeans are still a dominant force in world football.
"Asians have an advantage because the World Cup is being held in Asia. But results so far don’t show that Asians have very bright prospects in the tournament. We should not forget the way Germany defeated Saudi Arabia."
Saudi soccer fan Saleh Alghamdi, a hospital employee in Jeddah, said: "After our team’s defeat, I don’t subscribe to the view that Asians have a bright chance in the tournament. Of course, there are other Asian teams which could do better, but European soccer standards being what they are I don’t think Asians will be able to reach the final."
In the Eastern Province, Asians and Arabs, still reeling under the shock that followed the humiliating defeat of Saudis at the hands of Germans, rejoiced the way Asian teams were performing. They said the Saudi defeat had dampened the mood but their hopes had been rekindled by Japan and South Korea.
Weng Cha, a South Korean construction engineer, said he was ecstatic. "It’s not just a victory for us but for entire Asia. It’s also a warning bell to European giants that their Asian rivals are advancing in a big way."
Tashika Homuto, a Japanese oil executive in the Eastern Province, said the draw with Belgium was as good as victory for Japan. "Japan is a young team, while Belgians are an experienced side. I’m confident Japan will reach the second round."
Moqbil Al-Sayyari, Eastern Province sports editor of Arriyadiah, said the performance of the teams co-hosting the tournament was expected. "They keep Asian hopes alive. South Korea’s teamwork, passes and attack were superb. It was a world-class performance beyond doubt. I may say that the Kingdom’s defeat has been compensated by Korea’s win. It’s a nice consolation that Asian teams are shining in the World Cup."
Miteb Al-Badeen, a journalist in the Eastern Province, hoped that the Saudi team would learn from the Korean game plan and tactics. "I’ll not be surprised if South Korea make it to the last four."
Ibrahim Al-Saqar, a student at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, said: "The message sent by Senegal in the opening match with France is being confirmed by South Korea and Japan that Africa and Asia are going to take the center stage."
In Riyadh, Dr. Son Chi-Keun, second secretary at the Korean Embassy, attributed the victory to good team spirit and a well thought-out game plan.
"Wang’s scoring of the maiden goal in the first half was a morale-booster for the team, who had relied on a combination of defensive and offensive strategy. All players did a good job. Credit must also go to the coach for observing the tactics of the Poles. This had an unnerving effect on Poland’s team who conceded another goal in the second half," Son said.
Kim Jae-Chung, a Korean expatriate in the capital, said the South Koreans took advantage by planning a fast game from the start. "Moreover, the showdown was on home turf. The Korean fans showed solidarity with the home team by donning shirts in national colors. This was a big psychological boost for the team all the way through the match," he said.
