Host nation South Korea kicked off the 2001 Confederations Cup against world and European champion France at five p.m. Wednesday in Taegu City.

Eight teams representing six continents of the globe including Brazil and Cameroon, are to compete for the next 12 days during the cup which is regarded as the rehearsal to the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup games.

President Kim Dae-jung officiated the opening ceremony of the games at Daegu World Cup stadium and officially declared the start of the games.

In his opening address president Kim welcomed the soccer players and the accompanying staff members participating in the games and asked the participants to pool their wisdom to make the 2002 World Cup a success.

About 60,000 citizens from Daegu were on hand including FIFA president Jeff Blatter and president of the Korea Soccer Federation Chong Mong joon.