The head of soccer's world governing body has urged the nation and Japan to repeat their success in the 2002 World Cup in next year's tournament in Germany.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter told a news conference in Japan Friday that the two countries had home-field advantage in 2002, but will face a more hostile environment in Germany next year.

Nonetheless, he said they should try to relive their magic shown in 2002 and that he is confident they can do so.

In the 2002 World Cup, South Korea advanced to the semifinals and Japan the second round.