Millions of people in Shanghai will watch the 2006 World Cup's
first game at midnight tonight, but only a few will stay up late to
watch following matches, according to an online survey.
The Shanghai SMMAIL Administrative Center survey polled almost
7,000 residents who registered with the government-run Website.
Because the World Cup is being held in Germany, soccer fans here
will have to stay up late to catch the games.
Some loyal fans have even asked for several days' leave over the
course of the World Cup, but 52 percent of people surveyed said
this won't affect their daily life and they will still go to work
on time every day.
"Compared with the World Cup games, I think my work is more
important," said 25-year-old programmer, Zheng Jingxiang. "And I
will only watch the games between my favorite teams."
Ji Hui, who works for a local charity foundation, said she would
watch the first game between Germany and Costa Rica because she had
received an invitation to go to a soccer fans' party tonight.
"But I'm not going to wait up for the midnight games every day,"
said Ji. "It's too tiring, and not every game is so
attractive."
(Shanghai Daily?June 9, 2006)