Spain's Zapatero brings World Cup trophy to China
Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero poses with the champion trophy of the South Africa World Cup football tournament which Spanish National team won the tournament displayed at the Spain Pavilion at Shanghai Expo site Monday Aug. 30, 2010
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on Monday wowed Chinese visitors at the World Expo by bringing something no other world leader has -- the FIFA World Cup. The trophy became the latest treasure put on show in Shanghai, lining up alongside Denmark's Little Mermaid, French impressionist paintings and a Rodin sculpture, as well as a work by Italian Renaissance master Caravaggio.
"We are very delighted to bring the FIFA World Cup to China. It is something that our country is very proud of," Zapatero said, standing in front of the trophy at the entrance to Spain's wicker-covered pavilion. Spain won the World Cup for the first time last month after a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in Johannesburg.
The World Cup was on display in China for one day only to mark Spain day at the Expo, a six-month showcase of culture and technology seen as the latest sign of China's growing economic might. Surprised visitors snapped photos and debated whether it was the genuine trophy -- under glass behind red velvet ropes with its own dedicated security guard.
The gold-plated trophy measuring 36 centimetres (14 inches) tall was due to be taken back to Spain later in the day, where it would resume a national tour in the central city of Toledo, Spanish pavilion officials said. Winners are awarded a replica trophy that they can hold until the next tournament, while the original solid-gold version of the cup remains in FIFA's possession.
Zapatero arrived in Shanghai on Sunday and was due to meet Chinese leaders including Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing on Tuesday before concluding his visit. More than 70 million visitors -- most of them Chinese -- are expected to visit Expo before doors close on October 31.
© 2010 AFP
