Brasília, 3 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Following is a letter sent to the UK Media, on 1st July 2002, by the Brazilian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Celso Amorim, regarding Brazil’s participation in the 2002 World Cup:

"Dear Sirs:

In this moment of joy and celebration for all Brazilians, I should like to thank the British public and the British media for its support and outstanding coverage of Brazil's participation in the 2002 World Cup. At all levels, the warmth and kindness reflected in the coverage have been understanding and sympathetic to the Brazilian dream of the beautiful game. Most of all, its fairness and balance have again shown why the UK media and its journalistic standards are a source of inspiration for so many.

The World Cup has been a timely reminder of the strong ties that exist between the UK and Brazil. After all, it was Charles Miller, son of an Englishman and a Brazilian mother, who back in 1894 introduced football to Brazil, where it was gradually to develop the touch of magic and artistry that has been a true joy for all football fans worldwide.

It has been a delight for Brazilians – both here in the UK and back in Brazil – to witness how the media interest reflected the genuine feelings that exist between the British and Brazilian people, even when locked in sporting competition, such as on June 21, when Brazil and England met with mutual respect being shown by the players and the fans on both sides. The support amongst the British fans for the Brazilian team after that game was even more remarkable, culminating with Sunday’s ultimate triumph in Japan.

I sincerely hope that the interest that the 2002 World Cup has generated will encourage the British people and the media to go out and discover more of what Brazil has to offer and to further strengthen the cultural, commercial and sporting links that already exist between our two nations.

Celso Amorim
Brazilian Ambassador to the UK"