Dear Fevernova and 2002 World cup.
In 2002 when I was only elementary school children, you came out to the world. You were official soccer ball for the world cup. There were official ball for world cups after 1978 world cup. Especially, however, you were unique to me, because you were the soccer ball for world cup that held in Korea and Japan in 2002. Personally, When you came out to the world, you attract me to the world of soccer. I was attracted by your color and design(According to the Adidas which made Fevernova, design was motivated by the Asia's beauty and enthusiastic energy.).
Your color was slightly gold and it looked like you are shining.
How fancy it is!
Hopefully, my father bought you for my birthday present, and I usually played with you. (Since I was too young to go outside and play “real” soccer with friends, I just kicked it in the backyard.) After this birthday present, I became a big fan of soccer and other clubs. Also you led me to enjoy soccer itself.
Not only you gave me personal impression, you looked very nice at the official cup games. In 2002 World cup, there were many star players such as Ronaldo, Pigou, Zidane. (Most of them now retired.) Although they are famous and superior players they cannot show us skills without you. Without balls, they cannot show us fantastic dribble and shoots. In other words, you were the most important character in the world cup. With your bright skin, you were always with the brilliant players of the world. In addition, you were always at the most glorious time in the soccer match, goal.
I was amazed by you and players fantastic passing game. In addition, in the world cup, our country’s soccer team achieved semi-final also. Maybe, it will be the other reason that I can remember you well. Thanks, without you, I was not able to enjoy the soccer match.
However, I do not think your role was limited in the stadium. In fact, your real achievement was accomplished outside of stadium.
“Cooperation” You would know the World cup in 2002 was held between both Korea and Japan.
In the 20th century, historically, Korea and Japan shared dark and sad history. There were conflicts between Korea and Japan, and Korea had been colonized by Japan for 36 years. Can you imagine what this means? Most of Korean did not think Japan was a nice country. Although Korea and Japan economically cooperated for some area, both countries’ citizens did not understand each other well.
However, you and your World cup gave both citizens a chance.
First you were made by both Korean and Japanese sports scientist, also the opening ceremony was held in Seoul, Korea and the final was held in Tokyo, Japan. Through the cooperation between both countries for World cup, we (both Koreans and Japanese) were able to start understanding toward each other. Past history for both countries was history of conflict. However, with you and World cup, and by managing world cup together Korea and Japan was able to open new era with cooperation.
For me, you were the greatest soccer ball that ever existed. Although there were other soccer balls in 2006 and 2010. You will be remembered as the best.
