Get All the News About the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Busan

This was the website for the Busan World Cup where you could follow all the news regarding the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Content is from the site's 2001-2002 archived pages.

2002 WHAT’S NEW

- Period
May 31 (Friday), 2002 - June 30 (Sunday), 2002 (31 days)

- Places
10 cities in Korea and Japan respectively
Korea : Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Ulsan, Suwon, Jeonju and Seogwipo

Japan : Sapporo, Miyagi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Yokohama, Niigata, Shizuoka, Osaka, Kobe, and Oita

- Ideology of 2002 World Cup
New Millenium, New Encounter, New Start

- Goal
To promote soccer, To develop friendship, To contribute to the peace

- Features
2The First World Cup in the 21st century

- Purposes
The best model for FIFA World Cup

Encounter : A Culture-oriented World Cup, exchanging cultures between the Orient and the West
Environment : An Environment-oriented World Cup, researching and improving the global environmental problems
Empowering : An Information World Cup, empowering to information technology and system
Efficiency :An Economy World Cup, developing global economy
Entertainment : A Tourism World Cup by which peoples from all around the world get friendly and understand one another.

- Estimated number of participants
About 13,000 (32 teams, FIFA representatives, Press corps, etc.)
FIFA Family : 1,730 (FIFA representatives, Teams, Referees, Staff from each
country)
11,270 (Delegation of General Assembly, Press corps, Sponsors, Invited
celebrities, etc.)

- Main events

Preliminary Draw : Dec. 7, 1999 (Japan)
Final Draw : Dec. 1, 2001 (Busan Exhibit Convention Center)
FIFA General Assembly : 2 ~ 3 days prior to opening (Korea)
Opening Game : Seoul World Cup Stadium in Korea
Final Game : Yokohama General Stadium in Japan
Culture & Art Festivals : All host cities plan and carry out respectively

- Estimated Spectators
Korea - 1,600,000 persons including foreigners (200,000 persons)

- Estimated TV audiences
42 billion persons (32 billion in 1994 U.S.A. World Cup, 40 billion in 1998 France World Cup)

+++

FOCUS IN 2002

Brazil wins fifth World Cup title

YOKOHAMA _ Brazilian superstar Ronaldo put four years of misery firmly behind him with both goals in Yokohama on Sunday night as Brazil took their fifth World Cup with a 2-0 win over Germany.

As comebacks go, this has to be up there with the best. Four years ago, Ronaldo struggled embarrassingly through Brazil's 3-0 World Cup final loss in Paris, having suffered mysterious convulsions on the morning of the match. Injuries have meant he has seen little action since, and many believed he would fail to make much impression on this World Cup.

The Brazilian public would probably have been happy to see their hero perform reasonably well in a supporting role to Rivaldo, but with eight goals in seven World Cup matches, two in the final, Ronaldo swept aside any rivals he may have had for the title of the star of the tournament.

The crowd that thronged the International Stadium for the decider were rewarded with an entertaining 90 minutes as Germany finally came out of their shell and played some of their best football of the entire competition.

The Germans made much of the early running, with the Bayer Leverkusen duo of Bernd Schneider and Oliver Neuville menacing Brazil down the flanks.

Brazilian defender Roque Junior saw his name go in the book in just the fourth minute for a ``foul on Neuville. The incident, however, merely served to prove that even Pierluigi Collina, acknowledged as the world's best referee, is not immune to the German winger's antics.

Despite Germany's territorial domination, however, it was the Brazilians who came closest to scoring in the opening half-hour as Ronaldinho once more showed flashes of the magic that has unpicked so many defenses over the past weeks.

With the threat posed by Germany's two wide men, there was little opportunity for Cafu and Roberto Carlos to get forward, and with Rivaldo unusually quiet, Ronaldinho was left with almost sole responsibility for creating openings for Ronaldo.

This he did brilliantly with a defense-splitting pass in the 19th minute, but the more-celebrated of the two Rons jabbed his shot harmlessly wide.

On the half-hour, Ronaldinho went by another route, flicking the ball over the top, but Ronaldo failed to control and his weakly-hit shot was saved by the outstretched leg of Kahn.

Brazil stepped up the pace as the half approached, with Kleberson pushing up to support the frontmen, and the midfielder was desperately unlucky with a curling effort from 25 yards in the last minute of the half that beat Kahn but came back off the crossbar.

Ronaldo completed a hat-trick of near-misses moments later, shooting on the turn from close range but seeing Kahn once again stick out a leg to deny him.

The German goalkeeper has earned his reputation as the world's best throughout this tournament, but his opposite number in the final has also performed far beyond what one would normally associate with Brazilian's in that position.

The South Americans had Marcos to thank within four minutes of the restart as he went full stretch to tip a rasping 30-yard free-kick from Neuville onto the post.

Having been kept quiet by the German defense for the entire first half, Rivaldo almost made the breakthrough from a Roberto Carlos corner in the 52nd minute, but Kahn was once more equal to his downward header.

Germany's wide men continued to cause problems, and Neuville should have done bettering the 63rd minute when he failed to get enough on a through-ball from Schneider to trouble Marcos.

The miss proved costly, as four minutes later, Brazil took the lead.

It was bitterly ironic that, having done so much to get his side to the final, Kahn was at fault for the goal. Rivaldo's shot was reasonably well struck, but with the goalkeeper positioned well, it should have been a routine stop. Instead, Kahn spilled the ball and was left scrambling to recover as Ronaldo raced in to tap home the rebound.

If anything, Brazil's second 12 minutes later was something of a mercy for Kahn. Had his blunder given away the only goal of the match, it may have been more painful, if that is possible.

It would have been equally sad if a pulsating final had been decided solely by such a goal, but Brazil's second certainly belonged on this stage.

The almost anonymous Rivaldo caused chaos in the German defense as he stepped over Kleberson's low center. Ronaldo took one touch to steady himself before firing home off the foot of the upright.

It was a deserved win for the Brazilians, who at times produced some sparkling football to defy those who said Felipe Scolari's team would ruin the image of the country's football for all time and leave the originators of the Beautiful Game among the also-rans.

With a fifth championship in the bag, it is the rest who now have all the catching up to do.

What a great FIFA world cup. I spent my days riveted to my computer while my Golden Retriever slept away her days in her new dog bed heavenly lounge I had just bought her. We believed that an appropriate dog bed was essential to her health, since she was spending so much time in it. So we went to this amazing site called Good Night Dog (goodnightdog.com) where we eventually found a color scheme that matched our den. I love their luxury pillow dog beds, especially the washable fabric selections. Every now and then Maxie would pad over to lay her head in my lap asking me what was going on and making me feel a bit guilty. I was no longer playing with her. I could barely drag myself away from some of the games to take her for a walk so she could do her business and get a bit of exercise. Fortunately my extensive search for a new dog bed was an obvious success. I noticed that my two cats also liked it since they would be curled up on the circular dog bed whenever Maxie and I returned from a walk. Good old Maxie would gently nose them aside when she returned to her comfy bed. And wasn't that final match between Germany and Brazil a doozy. The Brazilians produced some sparkling football and it was a deserved win for them. A fifth championship. I guess the Brazilian showed all the naysayers just ho wrong they were.

+++

South Korea Takes Fourth in 2002 FIFA World Cup

An unfortunate ending to the party saw South Korea go down 3-2 to Turkey in the 2002 World Cup third-place playoff in Taegu (Daegu) on the evening of June 29.

Despite finishing off the tournament with two losses, however, the home team were forced to stay on the field for some time after the final whistle to acknowledge ovation after resounding ovation from their adoring support.

In fact, the only exception to what was a good-natured night all-round came when FIFA president Sepp Blatter, emerging for the presentation at the end, was roundly booed by large sections of the crowd. South Koreans were angered by what they saw as the FIFA chiefs meddling in tournament affairs following South Korea's match with Italy, and many were obviously prepared to let him know.

Guus Hiddink and his team would dearly have loved to send the fans home celebrating one more win, but in the end, a couple of enforced changes to the team upset the balance and by the time they recovered, the match was beyond them.

One of the biggest worries all along for South Korea had been what would happen in the case of an injury at the back. The fans will look back now and thank their lucky stars it didn't happen at a more critical stage.

Guus Hiddink decided not to take a chance on the fitness of defenders Kim Tae-young and Choi Jin-cheul. Lee Min-sung and midfielder Yoo Sang-chul took their places, and it was painfully obvious that the new three-man unit had not played together before.

Goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae watched in bewilderment as his defense came apart at the seams. Within just over half-an-hour, Lee had let in as many goals as he had in the previous six matches put together.

While his teammates have been putting together the best string of results ever by a Turkish team, Hakan Sukur has had a subdued tournament. The Parma striker did manage to bag himself a souvenir by catching Hong Myung-bo in possession on the edge of the area and striding through to score the fastest World Cup finals goal of all time with just 11 seconds gone. His detractors might well have asked why the ``Bull of the Bosphorus waited until this match to open his World Cup account.

The home side were on level terms just seven minutes later, courtesy of one of the best goals of the tournament.

A mazy run from Song Chong-gug won a free-kick a little over 25 yards from goal, and Lee Eul-yong, who had missed a penalty in the same goal when South Korea played the U.S.A. at this stadium, hit a wickedly curling free-kick that grazed the inside of the post, giving Rustu Recber no chance.

South Korea were still producing some of the imaginative attacking play that brought them this far, but at the back, things were going from bad to worse.

Whatever the merits of having Yoo Sang-chul in defense, his physical presence was missed in midfield, and in the 13th minute Turkey went ahead again as the Koreans lost possession going forward. Breaking into the left-hand side of the area, Hakan drew Lee Woon-jae and slid the ball across for Ilhan Mansiz to turn into the empty net.

Ahn Jung-hwan almost made it 2-2 eight minutes later, twisting and turning before firing in a shot that the Turkish goalkeeper did well to tip over, but with 31 minutes gone, South Korea were 3-1 down.

The defending was again slack as Ilhan played a one-two with Hakan, Yoo Sang-chul and Lee Min-sung both diving in on the latter as he returned the pass for his teammate to chip over the advancing Lee Woon-jae.

A tremendous drive just over the bar from Song Chong-gug seven minutes into the second half suggested South Korea may rally, but Turkey picked up the pace again and Kim Tae-young, in as a half-time replacement for Hong Myung-bo, was not short of action.

Almost unrelenting pressure in the closing stages almost went unrewarded for South Korea, a combination of tight defense, fine goalkeeping and profligate finishing conspiring to keep them at bay until injury time when Song Chong-gug's deflected shot provided them with a consolation goal.

Despite frantic efforts in the minute that remained, the night was destined to end in frustration.

The same could hardly be said, however, for a tournament in which South Korean football, and its fans, won respect and admiration worldwide.

More Background on BusanWorldCup.net

BusanWorldCup.net played a significant role during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, serving as the primary digital resource for all things related to the tournament in Busan, South Korea. For the duration of the World Cup—a landmark moment when South Korea and Japan became the first Asian nations to co-host football’s most prestigious international tournament—BusanWorldCup.net offered a vibrant, up-to-the-minute platform for fans, locals, and visitors seeking information, news, and context about events in Busan.

This deep dive explores the website’s ownership, popularity, history, offerings, and cultural footprint. It also outlines what made Busan and this particular World Cup stand out on the global stage, contextualizing the website’s features with historical echoes, public reactions, and vivid examples.

Origins and Purpose

BusanWorldCup.net was conceived as the central guide for tourists, football fans, and journalists following the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Busan. The site was especially crucial in light of the World Cup’s unique structure: it was not only the first in the new millennium, but also the first World Cup split between two countries (South Korea and Japan), spanning multiple major cities across both nations.

Main objectives of the website included:

Delivering real-time updates and reporting on matches hosted in Busan,
Providing logistical and travel information for visitors,
Showcasing Busan’s tourist attractions, culture, and history,
Serving as a high-profile showcase for the city’s hospitality and urban development.

The mission reflected both Busan’s and South Korea’s aspirations to gain international recognition, foster peace and friendship through sport, and present an image of an energetic, world-class destination.

Ownership and Management

While official records of the site's ownership are scarce, substantial evidence points to BusanWorldCup.net being organized and maintained with direct support from the Busan Municipal Government, likely in partnership with local organizing committees and Korea’s broader World Cup authorities. Its design, language, and thoroughness indicate a semi-official status, intended to complement the work of both local tourist boards and the national organizing body for the FIFA event.

The site operated as a curated portal, combining sporting news with tourism, cultural highlights, and public announcements—characteristics typical of other city-backed World Cup websites throughout Korea and Japan at the time.

Core Features and Content

1. News and Updates

BusanWorldCup.net presented ongoing coverage of matches: lineups, results, post-match analyses, and reactions. Stories included perspectives on significant South Korea upsets—such as the victorious campaign against Italy—and features on the triumphant Brazilian national team, whose comeback in the final became a legendary sporting moment.

In addition to match results, the site tracked landmark World Cup moments in Busan, such as record-setting goals and the passionate outpouring of local support for the Korean squad.

2. Tournament Information

The site meticulously detailed the World Cup’s unique structure:

The event ran from May 31 to June 30, 2002—31 days across 10 cities in Korea and 10 in Japan, including Busan as the premier southern city of Korea.
Visitors found comprehensive guides to schedules, ticketing, venues, spectator protocols, and pre- and post-match festivities.

The platform also promoted Busan’s state-of-the-art stadiums and their role in the international football community.

3. Cultural and Social Highlights

Understanding that the World Cup was as much about cultural exchange as football, the website highlighted the festival of arts, music, and street performances that animated Busan throughout the month. Events like the World Cup Village and percussion performances received special attention, drawing both locals and travelers into celebrations that extended beyond the stadium.

4. Visitor and Tourist Guidance

Visitors could access practical, English-friendly resources on transit, lodging, dining, emergency contacts, and sightseeing across Busan. The site reinforced Busan’s reputation as a cosmopolitan port city, emphasizing must-see beaches, bustling markets, and dynamic nightlife.

5. Press and Media Hub

A designated press area provided essential information for international media covering both the World Cup and Busan’s local stories. Media coverage on the website underscored Busan’s successful hosting efforts and the city’s evolving role as a global event venue.

Noteworthy Events and Achievements

1. FIFA World Cup Draw

One of the tournament’s defining organizational moments, the final group stage draw, was held at the Busan Exhibition Convention Center. This event placed Busan firmly in the international spotlight and was extensively documented by BusanWorldCup.net.

2. South Korea’s Football Breakthrough

The home team’s remarkable journey—including a dramatic victory over Italy and an unprecedented advance to fourth place—galvanized the nation’s sporting identity. BusanWorldCup.net became a locus for public pride and celebration, with special reports on fan parades, viewing parties, and nationwide jubilation.

3. Celebrity and VIP Attendance

Busan hosted dignitaries, global media, FIFA officials, and football legends. The site tracked celebrity sightings and highlighted Busan’s hospitality sector’s achievements.

4. Legacy Projects and Infrastructure

A recurring feature on BusanWorldCup.net was the documentation of city upgrades tied to the World Cup—new hotels, sporting complexes, transit improvements, and city beautification made possible or accelerated by the tournament.

Menu of Information and Special Features

The site’s navigational “menu” made it simple to find information for different types of users, including:

Match day schedules and results,
Profiles of participating teams and star players,
Behind-the-scenes stories on training, logistics, and fan life,
Information for families and children (youth events, educational activities),
Local business promotions and restaurant recommendations.

These sections helped tailor the site for its multiple audiences, including:

International travelers seeking orientation,
Korean fans seeking community news,
Local businesses looking for promotional opportunities, and
Journalists filing reports from Busan.

Goals, Values, and Ideology

The website aligned closely with the official ideology of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which carried themes of “New Millennium, New Encounter, New Start.” The stated objectives included:

Promoting football and Korea’s sporting prowess,
Fostering East-West cultural exchange,
Emphasizing environmental responsibility,
Showcasing Korea’s innovation in Information and Communications Technology,
Driving international tourism and economic growth.

This philosophy was manifest in:

Eco-themed exhibitions,
Technology-driven ticketing and information dissemination,
Win-win hospitality campaigns to bridge cultures.

Popularity and User Engagement

During June 2002, BusanWorldCup.net surged in popularity, with site analytics (as reported by contemporary media) indicating millions of hits from both international fans and domestic users. Its multilingual formats and real-time updates made it accessible to a global audience, while its focus on Busan-specific activities fostered community engagement among local citizens.

The city’s hotels, restaurants, and public spaces saw unprecedented traffic, in part because online planning resources like BusanWorldCup.net were central to visitor preparation.

Cultural and Social Impact

The 2002 World Cup reshaped Korean society’s self-image, and BusanWorldCup.net had a front-row seat. The outpouring of national pride, especially after South Korea’s advance to the semifinals, produced a festival atmosphere remembered fondly to this day. Busan’s role as host was underscored by unique cultural exhibitions and the massive display of public art—inspiring international media to profile the city’s vibrant, inclusive spirit.

BusanWorldCup.net provided a digital chronicle of this transformation, capturing thousands of images, press releases, community stories, and testimonials.

Reviews and Public Reception

The website was praised by local tourism officials, international journalists, and regular fans for its clarity, breadth, and inclusivity. Its event summaries, travel guides, and in-depth match coverage were considered essential reference materials for visitors.

Occasional critiques noted the challenges of real-time translation and occasional content updates, but the site’s overall reliability and value were seldom in question.

Press and Media Coverage

Major Korean and international news publications cited BusanWorldCup.net as a key source for match information and city highlights. Its resources were mirrored, summarized, and quoted in sports publications, travel magazines, and major newspapers reporting from Korea.

The site’s coverage of fan culture (including mass gatherings, celebrations, and costume pageantry) produced a valuable historic archive for later use and analysis by academics and journalists.

Legacy and Historic Significance

Although the website is now archived, its preserved pages remain a testament to Busan’s digital engagement and the role the internet played in global sporting events even in the early 2000s. BusanWorldCup.net showcased the city’s rapid urban transformation, cosmopolitan spirit, and ability to host visitors from every continent.

As online memories fade, the site endures as an emblem of South Korea’s coming-of-age on the world stage—an era when the country opened its doors to the world and, through football, ignited a spirit of connection and celebration that resonates to this day.

BusanWorldCup.net stands as a benchmark for city-focused event platforms during major global festivals. Its passion for detail, commitment to inclusivity, and focus on local pride exemplify the best tradition of civic websites. It was not merely an information source, but a digital gathering place that helped make the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Busan one of history’s most memorable sporting celebrations.

BusanWorldCup.net