Ma Yan: Do you like football, Yu Lei?

Lu Lei: Yes, I do.

Ma Yan: Me too. What’s your favorite team?

Lu Lei: That’s easy. Manchester United.

Ma Yan: No, I mean which national team?

Lu Lei: Oh, well then that would be England. I used to like Holland, but England is now my favorite.

Ma Yan: Did you watch England play at the World Cup in Korea and Japan in 2002?

Lu Lei: Yes. I saw the games on TV, but England only played in Japan.

Ma Yan: Where was th e World Cup held before that, in 1998?

Lu Lei: In the USA, I think.

Ma Yan: Wasn’t it in France, Yu Lei?

Lu Lei: That’s right! What’s your favorite team?

Ma Yan: That’s difficult. It used to be France, but now I support China.

Lu Lei: Why?

Ma Yan: Because they’re our own team, and because they played in the 2002 World Cup for the first time.

Lu Lei: Do you think the first Asian World Cup was a success?

Ma Yan: I think the 2002 World Cup was extremely well organized and the host countries provided a very warm welcome to the fans. It was definitely a success.

Lu Lei: Will you watch the next World Cup?

Ma Yan: Of course.

Lu Lei: Would you ever go to see the matches live?

Ma Yan: I’d love to, but the tickets are too expensive.