[NYT]Germany Reaches World Cup Final

?? 2002? 6? 26? 18? 02?

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Fireworks boomed again in the night sky, and the South Korean players took their customary post-game bows, but this time there was nothing to celebrate. A wonderful dream came to an end tonight. The chanted appreciation from 65,256 fans came in salute for a month well done, not a match well played. Germany was clearly the better team as it defeated South Korea 1-0 in the World Cup semifinals, advancing to the final for the seventh time. Disappointment for South Korea came suddenly and painfully after weeks of building expectation.

An estimated seven million people gathered in plazas around the nation tonight to watch the match on giant television screens. Once hesitant to yearn for victory, fearing certain defeat, fans seemed assured this time that South Korea would prevail. South Korea was playing out a fantasy, while Germany is one of the world’s football powers. While South Korea had a nation’s rabid support, it could not match Germany’s skill and conviction. Perhaps South Korea wore down after weeks of ceaseless running. Its most imposing strength might have become its greatest vulnerability. Scoring became a greater burden with each match.

“We couldn’t make the final, ultimate pass,” South Korean Coach Guus Hiddink said. Nor will South Korea be able to build the final, ultimate victory. But it has brought immense pride and unity to the country, and showed off its ravenous spirit to a worldwide audience. No team from Asia has ever achieved this much in the World Cup. As the players bowed and waved in defeat, the red-shirted fans by the tens of thousands applauded loudly and chanted their familiar refrain, “Tae-han, min-guk!” or “Republic of Korea!”June 26, 2002. By Jere Longman(Seoul)

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