Many of the British and Irish media representatives have been to World Cups before.
They fondly recall stories from finals in France, America, Italy, Argentina and Spain.
But none can match the repertoire of tales stored away in Malcolm Brodie's memory bank.
The veteran Belfast journalist is covering his thirteenth finals tournament having been an ever-present since the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland.
A native Scotsman, Malcolm joined the Belfast Telegraph in 1943.
He became sports editor in 1949, holding that position until retiring from full-time work with 'the Tele' in 1991.
But Dr Brodie, as he is now, is not the retiring type.
He has continued to churn out the stories on Irish and international football, working as a freelance for several British and overseas newspapers.
Malcolm is covering the fortunes of Mick McCarthy's Republic of Ireland at the 2002 World Cup.
But back in 1954 his chief interest was in Scotland who had qualified for the finals for the first time.
"It was a disaster for them, however," said Malcolm.
"They were beaten 7-0 by Hungary and manager Andy Beattie resigned halfway through the first phase."
The 1958 tournament holds a special place as it featured Northern Ireland's first appearance.
"They had a pool of just 16 players and were the Cinderella nation.
"It is the only time England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales qualified the same finals tournament.
"To succeed in the World Cup you have to have world quality players and Northern Ireland had them in Danny Blanchflower, Wilbur Cush, Bertie Peacock, Peter McParland, Jimmy McIlroy and Harry Gregg.
"Northern Ireland qualified for the quarter-finals but they did not have the strength in reserve and were beaten by France."
Malcolm has many personal memories of the World Cup's great moments - England's 1966 triumph, the magnificent Brazilian success in 1970, the marvellous ticker-tape atmosphere in Argentina in 1978 and the Republic of Ireland's great adventure with Jack Charlton in Italia 90.
But the 1982 and '86 competitions are dear to his heart, again because of Northern Ireland's qualification.
"The greatest night was when Billy Bingham's team beat the hosts Spain in Valencia in 1982.
"Back at the hotel there was the most memorable party of all time but I had my work to do for the Telegraph."
As for his tip for the 2002 competition, Malcolm favours the holders France.
"The players of 1998 are not over the hill and they now have strikers. On pure footballing skill, they would be my choice."