31.  But millions of Japanese fans had high hopes for an opening victory on Tuesday.

32.  But when he takes the mound Saturday, Japanese fans may be a little perplexed about whom they should be rooting for.

33.  Chilavert said he regretted not being able to show off to Japanese fans why he is famous as the goal-scoring goalkeeper who takes penalties and free kicks.

34.  Cooper said Japanese fans take blue garbage bags with them, which they wave during the game.

35.  England captain David Beckham delighted his army of Japanese fans by taking part in the pre-match warmup against Cameroon on Sunday.

36.  Even without Hideo Nomo pitching, U.S. Major Leaguers know how to send the Japanese fans into a cheering frenzy.

37.  He also encouraged Japanese fans not to let their support wane and instead throw their weight behind J-League teams.

38.  He looked very relaxed both on and off the ice, signing autographs and giving a lot of attention to his Japanese fans.

39.  Hodler, head of FIS, the international ski federation, is well known to Japanese Olympic fans.

40.  His tugs-of-war with local club coaches over players for national team play and his remarks about ignorant Japanese fans have rankled.