World Cup 2002
World Cup 2002 was another attempt by FIFA to spread the word of the Beautiful Game. This time the tournament was hosted jointly by (South) Korea and Japan. It was a success up to a point in my book. Following from the Glenn Hoddle era (I think that's the right word) there was now a Swede in charge of the England team. Like in France there were 32 teams initially split into 8 groups, with the top two from each going through to play in the Round of 16. There were four first time qualifiers, PR China, Ecuador, Senegal and Slovenia. England were Britain's only representatives although they were also joined by the Republic of Ireland.
Group Stage
Poom Tang! In an almost carbon copy of the first game from Italia 90, for Argentina read France; for Cameroon read Senegal and for Francois Omam Biyik read Papa Bouba Diop. Yes, in a shock to rival Argentina 0-1 Cameroon, the defending Champions were humbled by African opponents. Unlike Argentina, however, France crashed out at the end of the group stage, having garnered a single point in a goalless game versus fellow failures Uruguay. Denmark topped the group with 7 points, whilst the Senegalese were second with 5 points.
Group B saw Spain go through as winners followed by Paraguay who edged out South Africa on the basis of having scored more goals - both had 4 points and a goal difference of zero. In Group C, Brazil qualified with a 100% record along with Turkey who had the same points a Costa Rica, but a better goal difference. Apart from France, Group D was perhaps the biggest surprise of the group stages as hosts South Korea and the USA accumulated too many points for Portugal and Poland. In Group E there was no surprise to see Germany qualify as group winners, and Ireland qualified in second place at the expense of Cameroon and Saudi Arabia.
And so to the Group of Death. With four extremely strong teams: Sweden, England, Argentina and Nigeria, it was always going to be a close call, and so it proved. Argentina started with a close win, 1-0 over Nigeria before England and Sweden shared a 1-1 draw. Then in the second set of games, Sweden and England both moved onto 4 points with a 2-1 over Nigeria and 1-0 against Argentina respectively - England gaining at least some revenge for their last two matches against Argentina in the World Cup Finals. And from the penalty spot too - a nation held its breath as David Beckham slotted on the stroke of half time. In the final pair of games it was still open - any two of Sweden, England or Argentina would qualify for the Round of 16. Two draws, 1-1 between Sweden and Argentina and a soulless, goalless damp squib between England and Nigeria, saw the two European teams prevail. By nature of having scored more goals Sweden were the group's winners.
In Group G Mexico surprisingly edged Italy as they both qualified at the expense of Croatia and Ecuador. Going into the last pair of games things had looked decidedly tricky for Italy. After a win against Ecuador and a defeat against Croatia they were tied on 3 points each with their almost neighbours. They may have gone out too, but for their late equaliser against Mexico and Croatia's loss in those last two games. And finally, Japan and Belgium proved to have too much for Russia and Tunisia.
Round of 16
There were a few surprises in the Round of 16. Not least was South Korea's 2-1 defeat of Italy. And then too we had Senegal knock out Sweden. Both wins were secured with sudden death goals in extra-time. That the USA should knock out Mexico must also rank as a surprise too. Otherwise, things ran pretty much to form even if some of the performances of the favourites left a little to be desired. Notably, Spain struggled to see off Ireland, having to resort to penalties. Germany beat Paraguay with the only goal - scored late on by Oliver Neuville and Turkey knocked out co-hosts Japan by a single goal, this one scored by Umit Davala. In the two strong performances by favourites, England knocked the stuffing out of Denmark by 3 goals to nil and Brazil simply had too much for Belgium.
Quarter Finals
Now at last we were down to the last eight - the nitty gritty of the tournament began here. But in truth, the best games of Korea Japan 2002 had already happened. England were toothless against Brazil, scoring first and then simply demonstrating why it's unlikely that the inventors of the beautiful game will ever win the World Cup again. Brazil would surely have won, despite the comedy nature of the winner as Nayim... sorry wrong game, as Ronaldinho floated the ball over David Seaman's head into the empty net. Germany could allow the USA the luxury of all of the ball, knowing that the point of the game is to actually score a goal - which they did, just the one, but one more than the Americans. Then we had Turkey and Senegal, another game decided by the only goal, this time a golden goal, four minutes into extra time, scored by Ilhan Mansiz. Only Spain's defeat by co-hosts Korea had any genuine football drama. But then even that was limited to a penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes.
Semi Finals
The semi-finals both saw 1-0 wins for the two strongest teams left in the competition, namely Brazil and Germany. In a repeat of their Group E encounter, Brazil defeated Turkey with a goal from Ronaldo and the Germans finally showed the other European teams how to beat Korea, Micheal Ballack scoring their goal.
Final
Played on 30 June 2002 this wasn't the most memorable World Cup Final. The records state that Brazil won the game, and their 5th World Cup, with two goals from Ronaldo, but I don't recall that much incident. There was no ebb and flow and there was no real surprise that Brazil ran out winners.
 |
 Italia Italy Kappa Soccer training jersey 2002 World Cup Korea Japan XXL $11.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 21h 18m |
 PANINI 2002 WORLD CUP UNOPENED BOX KOREA JAPAN TRADING CARDS 140 CARDS 24 PACKS $11.95 Time Remaining: 14d 16h 46m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 |
 Korea Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup keychain $8.00 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 17m |
 2002 WORLD CUP FOOTBALL MS TALLENTS HOUSE CANCEL FDC 5 289 $4.44 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 38m |
 Brazil 2002 World Cup Champions 8x10 Team Photo $6.99 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 12m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 2002 WORLD CUP FOOTBALL MS WEMBLEY CANCEL FDC 5 268 $4.44 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 38m |
 WALT DISNEY WORLD COFFEE CUP MUG EARS TO YOU 2002 $3.99 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 59m |
 Argentina Home Shirt L World Cup 2002 BATISTUTA 9 $120.50 Time Remaining: 22d 19h 54m Buy It Now for only: $120.50 |
 2002 Panini Fifa World Cup Autograph Rui Costa Portugal Auto 100 RARE $61.05 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 13m |
 YAHOO MATCH BALL WORLD CUP KOREA JAPAN 2002 SOCCER FOOTBALL $15.00 Time Remaining: 2d 20h 32m |
 2002 World Cup Soccer Ultra Rare Foil Card U26Donovan $19.41 Time Remaining: 28d 6h 37m Buy It Now for only: $19.41 |
 ZAH BUU BRand USA Ski 2002 World Cup Team Vest Vintage Ski Apparel Mens Md $19.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 20h 51m |
 2002 WORLD CUP COMBO JAPAN KOREA INFO BROCHURE $6.00 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 20m |
 Italy Home Shirt M World Cup 2002 DEL PIERO 7 $105.43 Time Remaining: 22d 18h 46m Buy It Now for only: $105.43 |
 CAN COCA COLA VENEZUELA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPON 2002 TEAM MEXICO COKE SODA $1.99 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 13m |
 CAN COCA COLA VENEZUELA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPON 2002 TEAM BRASIL COKE SODA $0.99 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 14h 44m |
 KOBE JAPANESE FIFA WORLD CUP 2002 SOCCER FOOTBALL PLAYER Hard Rock Cafe PINS $12.99 Time Remaining: 29d 23h 46m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 2002 Germany World Cup Soccer Team Poster FUNNY Signed By The Artist $9.50 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 31m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
 Batistuta 9 Argentina 2002 World Cup Football Shirt Camiseta Jersey Fiorentina $33.14 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 19h 5m |
 Korea SC 2082g 2002 FIFA World cup Central North America SS 2002 $0.99 Time Remaining: 29d 21h 13m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 FIFA 2002 World Cup pin $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 4m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE JUNE 24 2002 LANDON DONOVAN US SOCCER WORLD CUP $4.95 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 17m |
 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea Japan Countdown Pin Badge Set Asahi Newspaper PROMO $30.00 Time Remaining: 29d 2h 23m Buy It Now for only: $30.00 |
 Spain home shirt world cup 2002 size medium $5.16 Time Remaining: 4d 16h 1m |
 NIB adidas predator Manic US10 not Mania 2002 world cup $120.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 33m Buy It Now for only: $180.00 |
 Vintage Rare Retro England World Cup 2002 04 Long Sleeve Football Shirt Umbro XS $1.49 Time Remaining: 4d 19h 18m |
 Sweden Home Shirt Jersey L World Cup 2002 IBRAHIMOVIC 21 $90.37 Time Remaining: 26d 15h 49m Buy It Now for only: $90.37 |
 2002 FIFA World Cup Sony PlayStation 2 2002 $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 21h 28m Buy It Now for only: $4.96 |
 2002 FIFA WORLD CUP Fanny Pack Korea Japan Bag Official Licensed Product $3.99 Time Remaining: 5d 12m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 2002 FIFA WORLD CUP HIGHLIGHTS DVD $9.98 Time Remaining: 3d 15h 27m Buy It Now for only: $9.98 |
 2002 FIFA World Cup KOREA JAPAN ENGLAND FC Field Towel Official goods JP $14.98 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 53m |
 Fifa Soccer 2002 Korea Japan World Cup collectible fork $8.00 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 34m |
 McDonald Happy Meal Reversible Hello Kitty Dear Daniel World Cup 2002 Lot4 $30.30 Time Remaining: 27d 16h 36m Buy It Now for only: $30.30 |
 GB STAMPS 2002 WORLD CUP MINI SHEET FIRST DAY COVER FROM COLLECTION $1.49 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 20h 28m |
 Korea Japan 2002 World Cup POSTER 12x18 Soccer Gift Idea Brasil 2014 $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 20m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 LOT OF 6 PINS DMZ KOREA 2002 WORLD CUP $4.00 Time Remaining: 6d 4h 11m Buy It Now for only: $4.00 |
|
PRE OWNED 2002 FIFA WORLD CUP FOR PS2 $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 43m |
 Hard Rock Cafe HOLLYWOOD HOT 2002 WORLD CUP FOOTBALL LOGO PIN $3.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 40m |
 Korea SC 2082h 2002 FIFA World cup Asia SS 2002 $0.99 Time Remaining: 29d 21h 14m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 NEW CHAMPION THE BEANIE BABY ITALY 2002 FIFA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPAN TEDDY BEAR TY $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 2h 47m |
 LEGO figure Coca Cola World cup 2002 Korea Japan version figure $1.04 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 8h 6m |
 BECKHAM 7 ENGLAND HOME WORLD CUP 2002 NAME SET $18.79 Time Remaining: 18d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $18.79 |
 LEGO Coca Cola World cup 2002 Korea Japan version Figure $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 9m |
 JAPAN FOOTBALL WORLD CUP 2002 full set of venue pin BADGE on original CARD $19.57 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 25m |
 Korea SC 2082j 2002 FIFA World cup South America SS 2002 $0.99 Time Remaining: 29d 21h 16m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 South Korea 2002 FIFA Football World Cup Official Gold Silver 5 Coin Proof Set $1,249.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 21m |
 PANINI WORLD CUP 2002 COMPLETE SET+ EMPTY ALBUM + 2 SEALED PACKET 1998 2002 $149.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 34m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 Korean B747 400 World Cup 2002 1500 Bigbird models $24.99 Time Remaining: 20d 8h 17m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea Japan Keychain Official Licensed Product $4.75 Time Remaining: 3d 7h 44m |
 Almighty FC Back Home CD Single Promo DJ World Cup 2002 $2.00 Time Remaining: 6d 17h 49m |
 2002 World Cup Football Miniature Sheet Mini Sheet GB Presentation Pack No335 $3.00 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 4m |
 Gibraltar 2002 Football World Cup History miniature sheet on First Day Cover $6.40 Time Remaining: 23d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $6.40 |
 CAN COCA COLA VENEZUELA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPON 2002 TEAM ARGENTINA COKE SODA $1.99 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 22m |
 CAN COCA COLA VENEZUELA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPON 2002 TEAM ENGLAND COKE SODA $1.99 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 31m |
 HARD ROCK CAFE Shanghai Guitar World Cup Soccer 2002 PVG1 $12.49 Time Remaining: 25d 7h 14m Buy It Now for only: $12.49 |
 CAN COCA COLA VENEZUELA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPON 2002 TEAM FRANCIA FRANCE COKE SODA $1.99 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 27m |
 World Cup Beanie Baby Chocolate Brown Teddy Bear United States Champion 2002 $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 16h 59m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 SEVEN GAMES FROM GLORY 2002 World Cup Film on DVD $9.98 Time Remaining: 10d 22h 18m Buy It Now for only: $9.98 |
 England National Team Captains Armband 2002 World Cup $15.00 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 45m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 |
DAVID BECKHAM RONALDO SOCCER WORLD CUP ENGLAND BRAZIL WORLD CUP 2002 RARE $14.55 Time Remaining: 6d 22h 14m |
 2002 Smilers Generic Sheet Football World Cup LS 8 $29.37 Time Remaining: 29d 22h 36m Buy It Now for only: $29.37 |
 CAN COCA COLA VENEZUELA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPON 2002 TEAM ALEMANIA GERMANY SODA $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 37m |
 CAN COCA COLA VENEZUELA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPON 2002 TEAM ITALIA ITALY COKE SODA $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 41m |
 2002 Fifa Korea Japan Orange Cloth Plush World Cup Soccer Mascot Stuffed Animal $19.99 Time Remaining: 27d 21h 14m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 CAN COCA COLA VENEZUELA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPON 2002 TEAM PORTUGAL COKE SODA $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 18m |
 CAN COCA COLA VENEZUELA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPON 2002 TEAM ESPAA COKE SODA $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 15h 6m |
 2002 WORLD CUP SHIZUOKA Soccer PIN JAPAN Still in Original Packaging NEW $5.27 Time Remaining: 5d 2h 46m Buy It Now for only: $5.27 |
 QSL 2002 FIFA World Cup Football South Korea radio card $7.02 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 41m |
 SOCCER pin TV ASAHI JAPAN MEDIA 2002 fifa world cup japan korea $4.99 Time Remaining: 5d 17m |
 Landon Donovan Signed 2002 Sports Illustrated Team USA World Cup Personalized $19.95 Time Remaining: 20d 20h 38m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 2002 England Away World Cup Long Sleeve Football Jersey $19.99 Time Remaining: 3d 33m Buy It Now for only: $25.99 |
 FIFA 2002 World Cup CHAMPION Ty Beanie Bear ITALY MWMT Soccer $11.99 Time Remaining: 18h 42m |
 Great Britain 2002 World Cup Football Championship MS $6.40 Time Remaining: 29d 18h 52m Buy It Now for only: $6.40 |
 Vtg Brazil Barcelona Rivaldo World Cup Korea Japan 2002 Jersey Shirt Trikot XL $80.00 Time Remaining: 20h 5m |
 Italia Italy Kappa Soccer training jersey 2002 World Cup Korea Japan L NEW $21.99 Time Remaining: 21h 18m |
 Nintendo Game Cube Game Lot Star Wars Clone War 2002 FIFA World Cup Kelly Slater $7.99 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 44m |
 Corinthian PROSTARS SERIES 16 WORLD CUP 2002 choose from list SoccerStarz $4.52 Time Remaining: 25d 2h 2m Buy It Now for only: $4.52 |
 China 2002 04 Away World Cup Shirt Jersey Maglia Trikot Football Soccer S $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 33m |
 IRELAND Umbro VINTAGE XXL Home CLASSIC 2002 WORLD CUP Shirt FOOTBALL Jersey FAI $22.58 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 41m |
 GB 2002 stamp booklet WORLD CUP 1st class x 6 self adhesive um NH mint PM6 $7.52 Time Remaining: 29d 14h 53m Buy It Now for only: $7.52 |
 BULGARIA 2002 FOOTBALL WORLD CUP JAPAN KOREA PC USED $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 55m |
 CHINA 2002 FOOTBALL WORLD CUP 2 MAXIMUM CARDS NICE $4.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h |
 POLAND 10 ZLOTYCH 2002 FIFA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPAN COIN WITH AMBER $28.62 Time Remaining: 21d 12h 39m Buy It Now for only: $28.62 |
 2002 FIFA World Cup Xbox 2002 New Sealed $4.99 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 2m |
 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea Japan poster Group Stage Matches in Kobe Japan $15.00 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 54m |
 BENCHWARMER BOX 3 LOT 1992 1 2006 WORLD CUP SOCCER 1 2002 1 ALL SEALED $39.99 Time Remaining: 27d 15h 55m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 JAPAN FIFA WORLD CUP Coin Tokyo Far East Kagawa Man U Samurai 2002 South Korea C $1.49 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 31m |
 BRAZIL IANT World Cup 2002 Champions Commemorative Poster ROBERTO CARLOS Ronaldo $19.99 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 33m |
 Corinthian PROSTARS SERIES 16 WORLD CUP 2002 choose from list SoccerStarz $4.14 Time Remaining: 25d 2h 2m Buy It Now for only: $4.14 |
 World cup 2002 korea RARE ZIPPER JACKET Jianbu Collection $29.99 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 45m |
 2002 World Cup S S China Macau Hong Kong $10.00 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 33m |
 Pick Choose Xbox Games Halo Ghost Recon Goldeneye Morrowind Awesome DEAL $4.99 Time Remaining: 23d 16h 21m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 2002 World Cup English SS Away Jersey XXL $17.99 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 34m Buy It Now for only: $28.99 |
 PANINI ROAD WORLD CUP 2002 COMPLETE SET+ EMPTY ALBUM $59.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 34m |
 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea Japan Official Countdown Pins Set in Frame $35.00 Time Remaining: 29d 2h 3m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 |
 GAMBIA 2002 WORLD CUP FOOTBALL SOCCER x 16 S S MNH $35.00 Time Remaining: 6d 11h 21m |
 COCA COLA COKE BOTTLE FOOTBALL WORLD CUP 2002 DEFENDERS RIO FERDINAND EMPTY $2.24 Time Remaining: 6d 13h 24m |
 BRAZIL WORLD CUP 2002 CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER T SHIRT $12.99 Time Remaining: 21d 16h 45m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 SOUTH AFRICA world cup soccer cards x17 1990 2002 Fish Masinga Radebe $7.95 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 35m |
 2002 RONALDO RIVALDO BRAZIL BRASIL USA PANINI WORLD CUP SOCCER FOOTBALL CARDS $5.99 Time Remaining: 6d 16h 46m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
