World Cup Report
　Twelve Japanese journalists were registered and worked in Mexico to cover the World Cup football tournament.　It was the first time　that Jaoanese journalism had shown such interest　in the event that they ran articles every day during ?the tournament.　The general opinions of the Japanese reporters about “Mexico ‘70”， including my own,were as ?follows:

　The Competition: 　Brazil won a welldeserved victory. They showed their indredible superiority not only in their individual skill but also in their tactical teamwork.
　In many cases in the tournament, goals came from long cross-pass into the penalty area.　Some teams, such as England, made cross passes directly from mid-filds and only　about　ten　metres　or　so inside　the halfway line.　The Mrazilians, however, were able　to penetrate deeper with their excellent wing　forwards,　especially　Jairzinho, to points near the corner flag or goal line and send the ball to a colleague waiting in the goal-mouth.　This was the real advantage of the Brazilians over the other teams.
　In terms of fighting spiri, the West Germans put up a remarkable performance.　 They achieved the dramatic ‘setback' victory against ?England in the quarter final and then gave their tremendous, if forlorn, display against Italy in the semi-final.

　Players: 　The outstanding players of the series were Uwe Seeler for his outstanding spirit and Pele for his all-round technical ability.

　No Underdogs: 　Before the tournament, some Europeans　and South Americans argued that the weaker teams from Asia and Africa should not be allowed to enter the World Cup. However, FIFA insisted that the selection be made according to geographical division as　well　as　to　team strength. This time,the results proved that F.I.F.A.'s policy was correct.　The so called “weaker” teams came out well against the “stronger” Europeans. Morocco from Africa tied 1-1 with Bulugaria and had a splendid gane against West Germany before losing 1-2. Israel, representing the Asia and Oceania group drew 0-0 and l-1 respcctively against　Sweden　and　Italy.　This surely shows that the World Cup is for ?the World and not a Hemisphere.

　The Virtue of Professionalism : 　There have been keen arguments about the questiontion of Amateurism in　Japanese　sports circles. Some older sports officials, most of whom belong to the Track and Field Federation, insist that professionalism should be kept out of all sports activities, not only in their own federation but in Japanese sports generally. Their philosophy is based on　the　idea　that? Professionalism　is “dirty show business”. Some sports writers，especially football writers, are opposed to　this view on the grounds that it is anachronistic and that it is more important for the sport to be usefull for society than it is to followan old Philosophy.
　Through our experience in covering the World Cup, we Japanese sports writers are convinced that professionalism is not necessarily dirty business.
　The World Cup games, most of which were played by top class professionals, were beautiful, clean and full of spirit.　All were good examples for boys and amateur players throughout the world. We were impressed not only　by the games themselves but also by　the　behaviour　and attitude　of　players off the field, One of us sent a report on the Virtues of Professionalism, quorting the following ｃcomment by Jairzinho. In his reply　to　the　question　as to 　what　he considered the differences between amateurs and　professionals,　the　Brazilian　dribbling ace said, “Professional Players must always do their best for football, not only on the playing field, but also in their private lives, even when they are injured or tired.　On the other hand, amateurs can do whatever they like".

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