FIFA World Cup History - Reliving Brazil’s 5th title in the FIFA World Cup 2002
It was the 17th staging of the prestigious tournament, held for the first time in Asia. Two countries jointly hosted the tournament, Korea and Japan, making it the first World Cup ever to be hosted in two countries. It was the last World cup for having the World Champions in the first group, and also the last one to use the golden goal rule. From 2006 onwards, the hosts are in the first group.
It was a historic tournament, as all of the previous Champions qualified. A total of 199 teams contested for the final, with France (previous Champions), South Korea and Japan automatically qualified.
Spain along with Brazil were the only two teams who picked up the maximum points in their respective groups. In group D, Portugal were defeated by the USA 3-2, which was a huge upset as Portugal were considered the pre tournament favourites. Germany thwarted Saudi Arabia 8-0 in their group E match, with Klose scoring a neat hat trick. The defending Champions were defeated 1-0 by Senegal and was one of the worst upsets ever. They crashed out of the World Cup without scoring a single goal and were humiliated by less tough opponents.
Argentina also had a disappointing campaign. They first lost to England, via a David Beckham penalty. Later they drew with group leaders, and crashed out of the World Cup. In Group G, Italy and Ecuador qualified on the expense of Mexico.
In the Round of 16, Germany met Paraguay, which they won 1-0 while England battered the impressive Danes with a 3-0 win. Spain won on penalties against Ireland, while United States defeated Mexico 2-0. Brazil breezed through; winning 2-0 from Belgium and 3 time Champions Italy were defeated by South Korea 2-1. Senegal defeated Sweden owing to a golden goal from Henri Camara. In the quarter finals, for the first time, teams from all the continents were present. Such was the competition in this historic world cup.
Brazil met England in the quarter finals. England took the early lead owing to a Michael Owen goal. Brazil came back with an equalizer. In the goal that made him the legend that he is, Ronaldinho scored from a 35 yard free kick which stunned the keeper David Seaman. England lost the match 2-1, with Brazil reaching the semi finals. Germany defeated United States, and South Korea defeated Spain which was a huge upset. It was the first time that any Asian team had reached the semi finals. Turkey also kept going, winning from Senegal 1-0 on golden goal.
South Korea met Germany in the semi finals, with Ballack scoring the only goal to earn them a spot in the final. Brazil also won a controversial 1-0 game against Turkey. Turkey however finished third, defeating South Korea 3-2 in the third place match. Hakan Sukur scored the fastest goal in history, in just 10.8 seconds.
The final was set between two footballing giants, 3 time Champions Germany against 4 time Champions Brazil. Both teams looked to make history. The final in Yokohama, Japan, saw Ronaldo scoring twice, thus winning it for his team. He also won the Golden Shoe award as well, scoring 8 goals in the tournament. Brazil were World Champions for the 5th time, with Cafu lifting the coveted trophy. They went undefeated in the campaign and established themselves as being the most successful football nation. They also set a new record for highest total goals which was +14. They truly had the best team, with Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldinho at their expense. These were the best players at the time, and Cafu filled the defensive void. In all, it was Brazil’s World Cup from the word go, with their semi final clash with Turkey being their toughest match. However, they showed quality resilience and the heart of a champion which paid off and made them an unprecedented 5 time World Champion.
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