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Editorial: Sports need action, not talk

The World Cup wrapped up on Sunday with Brazil taking its fifth trophy. Taiwan was swept up in the global soccer storm as people followed reports on the matches and celebrity players. The frenzy in countries whose teams were playing in the tournament was intense -- even more so for the two host nations. Millions of Japanese forgot about their daily worries after their team made it into the second round, boosting public morale. South Korea was swept up in a euphoria that helped crystallize a new sense of national identity and pride as its team made it all the way to the semifinals. The World Cup effect has led some in Taiwan to ask, "If Japan and South Korea can, why can't Taiwan?"

Several factors contributed to Taiwan's short-lived soccer fever -- it was the first time that the World Cup was held in Asia, local cable stations obtained the rights to broadcast all the matches live, most of the matches were broadcast during primetime hours and newspapers and magazines provided in-depth coverage. After a month of intensive media hype, it was hard not to become familiar with the status of each team and the latest gossip about star players.

Now many people want to see soccer grow as a sport in Taiwan. The government has already announced that 2002 is "soccer year" -- a blatant attempt to link its fortunes to the World Cup bandwagon. Soccer was a popular sport in Taiwan at one point, but fell into disfavor. How to help it make a comeback is a big question.

Taiwan's soccer team ranks 170th in the world. Just think how much money, time and effort it would take to raise the team to the point where it might gain a more respectable ranking. Taiwan's baseball took almost three decades to reach the point that it is at today. With a limited pool of talent and a shortage of playing space, a determined focus on soccer would inevitably affect the development of baseball and basketball. Is the government really willing to invest the kind of money and effort needed? Is Taiwan willing to make space for soccer? Really?

After all, talent needs to be cultivated from a very young age and this requires cooperation between the government and the public. The National Council of Physical Fitness and Sports (NCPFS, 體委會) would have to start training programs in soccer for schools, communities, military units and business enterprises. The Ming Chuan (銘傳) women's soccer team, which once won the Asian Women's Soccer Championship, is a strong team. Perhaps the most worthwhile area for international competition to focus on is women's soccer.

Overseas matches are important components of any long-term training program. Taiwan's teams should be given plenty of opportunity to compete overseas, while the government seeks chances to host international competitions here. The NCPFS should pay attention to such events as an important part of its policy.

Finally, there needs to be real action, not just talk or public relations events. Halfway into "soccer year" and there is little to see of any government effort except the recent fiasco of the Senegalese team's trip. If this is the kind of half-hearted action the government is planning, it shouldn't even bother.
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