It's OK to get rowdy, hosts

Terry Baddoo is co-host of World Sport, the international sports show that airs live on CNN International. He will regularly contribute Postcards from South Korea to CNNSI.com during the World Cup.

SEOUL -- The World Cup finals are under way, I think.

At least that's what the South Korean newspapers told me. But on the morning after world champions France were humbled by a Senegal side so in awe of the occasion that its players carried camcorders onto the pitch for the pre-match walkabout, I'm still left with the feeling that we've yet to takeoff.

In an early broadcast from Seoul on the eve of the first match, I 'd described the atmosphere as "crackling."

However, it was only when I went to the opening game that it dawned on me that the electricity was only evident amongst my media colleagues. The South Koreans, gracious hosts as they are, have yet to generate the passion and fervor that characterized other tournaments I've visited.

Added to which, the relative paucity of foreign supporters, compared to previous finals, means the banter on the streets among rival fans is simply not there. Where is the army of Frenchman filling the air with wine-soaked choruses of "Allez Les Bleus"? Coach Roger Lemerre's men could certainly have benefited from that rallying call during their opener, for sure.

Mailbag

Terry Baddoo will answer questions from CNNSI.com users in his mailbag periodically. If you'd like to submit a question, please enter it below.

Your name: Your E-mail Address: Your Hometown: Enter Your Question:

Where were Senegalese fans following their team's sensational victory? I saw television footage of Africans celebrating in Dakar and London, but on the streets of Seoul -- nada.

Is this the way it's going to be?

Certainly, this is a different World Cup. It is the first in Asia, and the first in which the majority of teams -- especially the ones normally known for their passionate supporters -- are thousand of miles and thousands of dollars away from home.

However, with the customary mass of traveling fans missing, it's even more incumbent on the host nation to provide the atmosphere.

So come on South Korea and Japan.

Put aside your natural reticence and politeness. This is the World Cup of the people's game -- the greatest sporting event on the planet. It's OK to get rowdy.

So let everybody make some noise.

 

Related information

Stories

Terry Baddoo: Sport and politics don't mix

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video