World Cup matches to be held in 20 supermodern stadiums (17.11.2001)
SEOUL/TOKYO,
197 days are left till the World Cup 2002, and both hosts- Japan and South Korea are ready for the most important football event in four years.
FIFA inspectors recently visited the two countries to make sure that everything is ready. The World Cup matches will be held in 20 supermodern stadiums.
"We are very satisfied with what we have seen," said FIFA vice-president Antonio Matarrese.
Almost all the stadiums, where the 64 matches are to be held, will be put into operation after several weeks.
The FIFA inspector was most impressed
bythe stadium in Seoul where the opening game will be played.
The transparent roof of the stadium, which cost 160 million dollars, can provide cover for all 64,677 spectators.
Yokohama`s International stadium, which will host the final game, is also equipped according to the highest requirements. The latter has a capacity of 70,564 .
However, FIFA officials were dissatisfied with some aspects, like the insufficient places for car parking.
Many roads are still under construction. The World Cup organizers have only 197 days to solve these problems.
