2002 World Cup Results

It has been a fantastic Tournament in the Asian hosts countries of Japan/Korea. The 1st African team to ever qualify for the World Cup defeated the '98 World Cup defending champions France, 1-0, in the opening match. It seems that a 4-year period can sure weaken or strengthen any team. Top ranked teams in the Tournament were eliminated in the group stages: France, Poland, Portugal, and Argentina. Italy, a 3-time Champion, was eliminated in the Round of 16. The United States earned some world-status as a soccer power by beating top-ceded Portugal, 3-2, a 1-1 draw with S. Korea and lost to also top ceded, Poland 4-1. Thanks to a higher point average then Portugal and some unintentional help from S. Korea, the U.S. advanced to the Round of 16. The U.S. had a match against Mexico and beat them 2-0. But they eventually lost a close 1-0 decision in the quarter-finals to Germany.

Turkey for the first time ever advanced to the semi-finals of the Tournament to face an undefeated Brazil, and lost 1-0. North Korea also advanced to the semi-final and lost to Gemany, 1-0. The Third Place match was between S. Korea and Turkey, this was their first Third Place match between them. Turkey hasn't qualified for the Tournament since 1954. The Third Place match changed WC history, a new record was achieved, Turkish Captain Hakan Sukur, #9 Forward, scored the 1st goal in 10 seconds, the fastest goal in WC History. Turkey beat the host, S. Korea, 3-2 to win the 3rd place in the Tournament.

The final was played by two great Football powers, Germany and Brazil on June 30th, 2002. These two nations have never faced each other in the history of the World Cup. One and a half billion people were expected to be watching the final. Brazil has acquired 4 titles and Germany only 3. Both teams have participated in a total of 7 finals. Pressure was on both sides. The German Captain Kahn, their star goalie, held an impentrable wall on defending the German goal and has let only a goal pass by in six games. The Brazilians had an unstoppable offence, it consisted of the 3'Rs: #9 forward, Ronaldo, #11 midfielder, Ronaldinho, and #10 midfielder, Rivaldo. After the game went under play, the 1st half was uneventful, both sides attempted to score but achieved little. The 2nd half exploded, Ronaldo scored the 1st and 2nd goal, and won the championship for his home country. The Germans posed no real offence, and their tight defence couldn't be held strong much longer. Brazil beat Germany, 2-0, and won its 5th World championship. It was a very exciting game.