A couple of large names from earlier tournaments missed out, together with Netherlands, Romania, Colombia and Norway.
Host: Japan and South Korea
Groups: 32
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 64
Targets : 161
Winner: Brazil
Runners-up: Germany
Golden Boot: Ronaldo (Brazil)
Background
The world’s largest soccer match moved to the largest continent for the primary time in its historical past.
When entries for internet hosting rights have been introduced, Japan and South Korea had bid individually.
Nevertheless, they have been suggested and agreed on making a joint bid which was duly accepted. South Korea’s bidding officers tried to incorporate North Korea as one other co-host to advertise reunification however the concept was not accepted.
The variety of accessible slots for the match’s most important draw was right down to 29, because the co-hosts and defending champions France certified mechanically. Among the many remaining spots, two have been allotted to Asia, which have been taken up by Saudi Arabia and China, who certified for the primary time.
Of Africa’s 5, Senegal took one as first-time qualifiers. Ecuador and Slovenia have been the opposite debutants.
A couple of large names from earlier tournaments missed out, together with Netherlands, Romania, Colombia and Norway.
Defending champions France began as favourites together with Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Italy. Two of those, nevertheless, stumbled early on and did not go previous the group stage.
France misplaced the opening recreation to Senegal, a former French colony and a number of other of whose squad members performed within the French leagues. France have been then held to a goalless draw by Uruguay, earlier than being knocked out with a 2-0 loss to Denmark.
Argentina had barely higher outcomes (one win and one draw) within the so-called Group of Dying. England avenged their loss from 4 years earlier, due to a 1-0 win in opposition to the Argentines.
Brazil and Spain blazed their strategy to the knockouts by profitable all three group video games. Spain’s spectacular run got here to an finish within the quarter-finals the place they confronted the mighty house drive of the South Koreans.
Spurred on by crowd help, the house nation had a number of controversial choices go their manner. Their quarter-final in opposition to Spain went to penalties, which South Korea gained 5-3. They have been, nevertheless, stopped by the Germans within the semi-final.
Brazil’s run was spurred by the return of Ronaldo after a career-threatening harm. The star participant scored 4 targets within the group matches and 4 within the knockouts, together with two within the closing in opposition to Germany.
After the heartbreak of 1998, considered one of Brazil’s best sides lifted the nation’s record-breaking fifth world title in Yokohama 4 years later.
Highs
The match benefitted the economies of each host nations.
Ronaldo, termed considered one of Brazil’s best gamers, lastly laid his fingers on the World Cup after a shocking run within the match.
Brazil gained each match in regular time.
Miroslav Klose scored a hat-trick of headers in his nation’s 8-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
A complete of 20 stadiums (10 in every nation) have been used within the match.
Brazil’s Cafu turned the one participant to be a part of three World Cup finals (1994, 1998, 2002).
Lows
Refereeing choices, particularly these involving South Korea within the knockout levels, confronted criticism and got here below scrutiny.
Roy Keane of Eire was despatched house after voicing dissatisfaction over the amenities and preparations of his workforce.