When France and Senegal kick off on May 31 in the opening game of the 2002 soccer World Cup Finals, they will be making history. For the first time, the only international sporting event to rival the Olympic Games in popularity will be taking place in Asia. In another first, two countries, rather than one, will play host to the tournament.

5月31日当法国和塞内加尔在2002年世界杯足球赛的开幕赛开球时，他们将创造历史。第一次，这项唯一能与奥运会的受欢迎程度相匹敌的国际运动赛事在亚洲举办。另一个第一，则是由两个国家而不是一个国家担任比赛的主办人。

(短文节选,本期开始连载：世足热蔓延全亚洲)