Cities across China are set to come to a virtual standstill when
the nation makes its debut in the World Cup finals with record
numbers set to tune into the national team's games.
A
survey has revealed 76.7 percent of people aged between 17 and 61
will closely follow the progress of China's football players in the
showpiece event in South Korea and Japan.
Views were canvassed by Beijing-based Horizon Research Group among
4,261 residents in 10 major cities, which included questions on
which national team was likely to be crowned champions at the end
of the month-long event.
The figures show a huge jump from last year -- before the Chinese
men's team broke their 44-year qualification hoodoo - when similar
research by Horizon revealed just 51.7 percent planned to watch the
tournament.
Women are also showing great interest in the squad's fortunes with
67.4 percent vowing to watch the games.
Of
the 10 major cities, Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's
Liaoning Province and the "lucky" city of the Chinese football
team, showed the most enthusiasm with 87 percent of people planning
to tune in to the World Cup.
Beijing also proved a hotbed of interest with 78.7 percent of fans
admitting they would pay close attention to how the team gets
on.
But this display of passion by China's football faithful did not
mean they were expecting China to challenge the major powers of the
global game.
Just 8.3 of those surveyed believed China will be a "dark horse" at
the finals and reach the last 16.
This contrasted with the views of more than one-third of people
questioned who thought a final 16 berth was a "mission impossible"
for China.
At
the extreme end of things, 3.3 percent nailed their colors loyally
to the mast and predicted China would lift the World Cup on its
debut.
Yugoslav coach Bora Milutinovic, who will prepare China's team at
the World Cup finals, received strong backing from Chinese football
fans.
The wily tactician has helped no fewer than four different national
teams reach the last 16 of the tournament in the previous quartet
of World Cups.
Most of the surveyed hoped Milutinovic -- nicknamed "Milu" by
Chinese media - would weave his magic once again in South Korea and
lead the team to the second round.
China has its work cut out to make an impact on the competition as
it must first overcome the opposition of Brazil, Turkey and Costa
Rica.
Perhaps showing a hint of pessimism at their team's chances, 20.9
percent of people questioned said first phase opponents Brazil
would go on to win the event.
There was also strong support for Argentina (14.6 percent) and
defending champions France (13.1 percent).
However, 33.3 percent of football fans were baffled by which nation
would claim the trophy and failed to register a prediction when
surveyed.
(China
Daily May 25, 2002)