Arriving in Seoul, Pele told reporters in a news conference held in the Seoul Finance Center he understood FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter was assessing ways to add up to two additional referees during the 2006 World Cup in Germany to resolve this.

He also stressed that domestic soccer players should learn and practice different styles in order for South Korean soccer to keep growing after the World Cup. The following is a summary of Pele's comments:

- How do you see Korean soccer?

I forecast Korea would get a good result in an interview on TV right after its first two matches, saying it could go further that the second round, but no one believed me. Head coach Guus Hiddink is a man of full experience, and the team led by a man I know very well, made me to believe in the team.

- What do you think about controversial refereeing decisions involving South Korea?

Referees cannot watch slow motion replays. They have to decide every single moment on the spot. The bottom line is the fact that no refereeing decision takes place in favor of a certain team even if it is an error.

- There is a winner and loser in every match. European teams defeated by South Korean team often criticize referees; any comment on this?

To advise in such situation is very difficult. I said at the final draw event in Busan in December last year that the World Cup generally goes to the hosts by and large. South American teams won all the finals held in South America and European teams won all finals held in Europe, except when Brazil won in 1958. That suggests a huge thing. Thus, it is not a big surprise at the South Korean team doing well.

Do you see the Red Devil fans influencing the players?

Enthusiastic cheering brings indescribable power to home team players in the stadium, especially, the confidence for players to surely win. Alongside, the scene of red-clad cheerers on the streets watching giant video screens left a strong impression all around the world.

- Is there such fervor in Brazil, too?

Brazil on the other side of the globe is reported to be in an all-out festival. A flood of citizens pack streets even though the team has yet to arrive in the finals. The Red Devils in South Korea and the Yellow Devils in Brazil have the same mind, just different colors.

-Who do you think is the most unforgettable player among South Korean players?

Plays by Hong Myeong-bo, Yu Sang-cheol, Ahn Jung-hwan, Seol Ki-hyeon and Park Ji-sung were impressive. In particular, Yu is a very excellent player. Of those, Hong and Yu are nominated on the all-star list by FIFA. I would like to see them included in the final 16 players on the list to be selected in Yokohama June 28.

(Choi Wo-seok, wschoi@chosun.com )