FIFA President Sepp Blatter Saturday expressed his satisfaction at the first phase of the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.
"I do not see any big problems in co-hosting. It has not affected the quality of the games. The quality of football is excellent," Blatter told a daily briefing in Seoul.
Blatter extended thanks to the national football associations and local World Cup organizing committees of South Korea and Japan for the "wonderful organization" and "absolute, perfect logistics" they have achieved under mutual cooperation.
The world soccer's governing body's chief pointed out that the first-round matches of this World Cup were played at a high level and proved that "there is no more weak team."
"Most of the matches were played in top level, and all matches were played in good spirit," said Blatter.
Blatter also said that he was glad to see co-hosts South Korea and Japan both qualify for the second round by showing a very high level of technique and tactics.
"They prepared months and months for the games...For Asia and for the world, it's so important that they won their groups and remain in competition." he said.
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