Special report: 2006 FIFA World Cup

    BEIJING, July 10 -- Despite the early exit of Brazil and Argentina in the quarter-finals, the World Cup remained a lavish gala that thrilled and entertained global audiences.

    The world's most attractive tournament has survived various controversies over the past month. The drama and artistry presented over the past month prove that the beautiful game still deserves our support.

    The traditionally strong teams have, with Brazil being an exception, generally adopted defence-centred tactics to play safe. Brazil was an exception because they did not really know how to play a defensive game. Such conservatism has aroused a great deal of criticism from the fans, who were there to enjoy the beautiful game. It is regrettable that the game has fallen victim to the desire for victories and trophies.

    On the pitch, the players have tried every possible gimmick to beat their opponents fake injuries, diving, irritating gestures and putting pressure on referees. All this does make it more difficult for referees to tell honest players from cheaters and loses the respect of fans.

    Despite all of this, the courageous playing by Germany, Australia, Mexico and Argentina, as well as a number of African and Asian teams, pointed to the fighting spirit of the game. Some of them bowed out before the second round, but they impressed the world with their skills, valour and love of pure football. They injected life and colour into this tournament.

    The final results indicate that the game remains in the hands of a handful of traditionally strong teams. The newcomers are catching up, but the time has yet to come for them to shake up the football world.

    The 2002 World Cup finals saw Turkey and South Korea make it to the quarter-finals. That scenario, however, did not reappear in this tournament.

    No one can predict what will happen four years later in South Africa. Will the Brazilian stars recapture the glory they lost this time around? Will an African team make history by reaching the final or even winning the championship? And what will be the fate of the Asian teams?

    No matter what happens, the audiences will hope to see more beautiful football and less on-the-pitch quarrels and post-match violence.

    By the time of the next World Cup, we will have said goodbye to football virtuosos such as Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Oliver Kahn. Up-and-coming football stars therefore need to show the world they are equally as capable.

    We are looking forward to a more thrilling tournament in South Africa in 2010.