More importantly, the idea is attracting support: it has been endorsed by the European, Asian and African governing bodies.The Japanese Asahi Shimbun paper editorialised: "Given the history of ties between Japan and South Korea, the joint hosting would have immeasurable significance as a forward-looking joint venture. The age of exploiting sport for international prestige has passed."But the Japanese, perhaps sensing they are ahead, have poured cold water on the idea, pointing to the Fifa regulation that the Cup must be held solely within one country. Time is running out and with it the hopes of mending the sporting fences. "If we didn't get it," said Bryan Matthews, PR consultant to the Korean bidding committee, "the disappointment would be horrendous.

The feeling would be that Japan Inc has won, and Korea FC has lost."Ties bedevilled by a history of occupation and exploitationMany things considered typically Japanese originated in Korea, and the Japanese rarely acknowledge it, writes Raymond Whitaker. But it has been rumoured he may recently have marshalled the 11 votes needed to clinch the nomination.The Koreans appear to know. Politicians have floated a revolutionary idea: that instead of competing for the tournament, they should split it between them. "The South Korean government and people will accept co- hosting if that is the wish of member-nations of Fifa," said the Prime Minister, Lee Soo Sung, this month. "Soccer should not be allowed to damage the long, friendly relations that have existed between South Korea and Japan."A joint World Cup would present practical problems: the currency to be used, for instance, and the venue for the final.

But if Japan wins there could be a problem."Until recently, the contest was too close to call, despite the Fifa president, Joao Havelange, championing Japan's selection. "The relationship cannot be fully comprehended by the word 'rivalry'."Korean bitterness has affected footballing relations between the two countries before: in 1953 feelings ran so high that Syngman Rhee refused visas to the entire Japanese team.A Japanese foreign ministry official said: "I doubt that anti-Korean feelings will emerge in Japan if it loses the bid. If Japan lost, the impact would not be great but in Korea, public expectation, fuelled by politicians and football officials, is at fever pitch. The media run daily features counting the hours to "D-Day", when Fifa will announce its decision in Zurich.