© AFP

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola finished its whistle stop tour of Asia on 26 April by visiting Korea Republic and Japan, two teams who are taking part in South Africa 2010.

More than 100 media representatives and distinguished guests including the director of the Korea Football Association, the South African Ambassador to Korea, the CEO of Coca-Cola and the manager of the Korean national team, Huh Jung-Moo took part in the unveiling ceremony in Seoul on 20 April before the FIFA World Cup Trophy made its debut to the public.

Huh Jung-Moo said: “Our dream is to win the tournament and bring this trophy home. However as for now, our goal is making it into the second round. And we are ready for that!"

In Tokyo, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour was accompanied by the former Japanese footballer Hidetoshi Nakata when it touched down on 23 April. Despite the rain, more than 100 media attended the welcoming ceremony at Naneda Airport. Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, the Honorary Patron of Japanese Football Association was present at the event hosted by Coca-Cola and South African Embassy to unveil the Trophy.

“In the spirit of fair play I would like to wish all the participating countries success, however, when it comes to the match with our team, I hope that luck will be with on our side,” she said, I also hope the FIFA World Cup will truly inspire our players to play well in South Africa.”

During the visit in Tokyo, the FIFA World Cup Trophy was brought to Saitama Stadium to be presented to more than 2000 local football fans during the J.League match between Urawa Red Diamonds and Jubilo Iwata.

During the fan experience, more than 3,400 fans came to the watch the 3D movie and have their photo taken with the Trophy, which will continue its global tour in Auckland, New Zealand before moving on to Canada and USA.