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The Ball 2002 is kicked over the Great Wall of China on its way to Korea & Japan

They think it’s all over…

The Ball 2002
It is now.

The Ball has now returned back to England, but we’re not done with it quite yet – this site will continue to develop even though there’s no more Cup. As well as the continuing saga on video, there will be flashbacks to times we didn’t manage to write about, more on the real story of how football left home, and some extra eyecandy for you all. With a bit of luck, we’ll keep this site growing and changing until The Ball 2006 leaves for Germany in just under four years time.

World Cup 2002 RIP.

World Cup 2006 here we come: a new blog and another plan for a trip.

Roll on 2006!

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Leaving Japan

Stuff. More stuff. Even more stuff. Phil tells it like it is as we prepare to leave Japan.

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Homeward bound…

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Penta Campiao

Brazil crowd know who they appreciate
How bright his star is shining

I was trying to think up tabloid headlines like ‘Kahn you believe it?’, ‘Ronaldo the Kahnivore’ to title this entry, but decided to keep it simple instead. Indeed, I’m only going to burden the world with another two points of game analysis. But before getting on to that, I have to say:

Congratulations to Brazil… commiserations to Germany… what a game that was…

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Samba time – but one of only two finals…

So, The Boy Noble signs off at the end of a fantastic World Cup, from every perspective. The amazing results, the wonderful Japanese – who can’t be praised highly enough, and the fans from all round the world who were nothing but friendly, and from a personal point of view, it’s been absolutely fantastic – seeing my first England game is a moment I’ll never forget (even if the game might be)….

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Brazil gobble Turkey

Brazilian girl films me
Camera to camera brings on the smiles

Again we have the pleasure to share a stadium with the Brazilian fans, but this time they won leaving only one game between themselves and a possible FIVE World Cup championships. ‘PENTA Campion’ rings off their lips with understandable confidence, though of course the mighty Kahn will stand between the sticks for Germany.

The atmosphere and the anticipation as we arrive the semi final.

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‘Penta Campion’ rings out here in this mpeg.

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Tokyo stylee

Nothing in Tokyo is this free
Nothing in Tokyo is this free

Our last game of the trip, organised by Taku. Chris scores a couple of cracking goals.

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Brazil v. Turkey

Phil holds the precious tickets
Phil holds the precious tickets, but his wallet is now lighter than air

Not a report on the game – mainly because it hasn’t happened yet. But when it does, we’re going to be pitchside – just scored two category one tickets…

Must dash – got a game to see!

A beautiful Red sunset

Crowds supporting Korea in the rain
Crowds framed by umbrellas

Unlucky Korea went out to the Cup last night… rather overpowered by a German team playing a similar style of football – a disciplined team game with little flair and much hard work. Korea had far fewer chances than they did against any of the latin teams that they put out of the competition, and in the end, succumbed to the sustained German pressure.

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Japan in blue

The Horror.

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Well I woke up this morning,
To catch a bullet to the game…

Bullet train logo
Shooting ourselves in the foot(ball)

But the waking wasn’t worth it,
Coz the football match was lame…

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Here we goooooooo…

We’re finally in Japan on the same soil as our boys, who in 3 ‘n’ a half hours are taking on Brazil. The tension in me runs. We are heading off to Shizuoka to get as close as we can, have no ticket and aren’t certain of a big screen situation and have also heard that it can be difficult to see games at all!!

Surely not!!

We shall see.

Come on you EEEEEENGERLAND!

The Ball 2018 left England on 25th March 2018 and travelled to the World Cup in Russia.

The Ball 2014 kicked off from England on 9th Jan 2014 and headed to the World Cup in Brazil.

The Ball 2010 left England on 24th Jan 2010 headed to the Opening Ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Ball 2006 travelled from London to the Opening Ceremony in Munich, Germany.

The Ball 2002 was carried 7000 miles across Europe and Asia to the World Cup finals in Korea & Japan.