Companies hope soccer match gives images a big kick

BEIJING - Two years ago, when the Italian Supercoppa soccer match was staged in the Bird's Nest stadium for the first time, the only sponsorship that host Wang Hui had was from his brother-in-law.

However, four months before the Supercoppa was due to return this year, hungry local investors started fighting for sponsorships, wanting the opportunity to expand their international exposure.

The match kicks off on Saturday night at the Beijing 2008 Olympic stadium - the Bird's Nest - between Inter and AC Milan, two of the world's fiercest soccer rivals.