It is a festive day indeed, a day of partying during which the whole country has come together as one in a joyous celebration of the World Cup we are co-hosting. You can't predict where the football is going to land, and the world of victory is a cold one. We must the game and the cheering about festive celebration. We have to be able to enjoy ourselves, but with a fine performance while the whole world is watching.

Having beat Poland, our team has been formulating strategy for doing the same against the US. Our players are in a high state of morale and we have the home advantage. The US is not an easy opponent, however, and it certainly did well against Portugal. The US's offence possesses great physical strength and speed, and plenty of confidence. It will be difficult to predict who will come out on top.

It will be wonderful if we win. The whole country, Korean brethren overseas, and those living in North Korea will be overcome with excitement. Antagonisms, discord, resentments and other such sentiments will disappear. All will become one in cheering, song, and dance. If by chance the goddess of victory does not side with us this time, all hope will not be lost. We must not become too excited or loose our cold-headedness, as we still have a chance against Portugal.

What will be most important is for our players to do their best and for the people to be united as one in reconciliation. Through fair-minded cheering we should be able to show the world what Koreans are made of and also a mature civic attitude. No less important than victory over the United States will be fair play and festival. Let us feel a certain catharsis as we yell “KOREA,” for it is we who are the hosts of the party.

June 10, 2002