Korea - Japan 2002
The FIFA World Cup came to the Asian continent for the first time ever. Japan and Korea built 20 new venues. Holders France were left disappointed after the opening match by Senegal who continued the trend of an African team doing well in the tournament. Papa Bouba Diop’s goal caused the upset. England and David Beckham arrived to a hero’s welcome. They avenged their loss to Argentina four years ago. Beckham scored the decisive penalty. Argentina failed to clear the group stages so did champions France. Another big European side Portugal failed to clear the group as the USA and co-hosts South Korea proved to be difficult opponents. Guus Hiddink’s Korea became the first Asian team to make it to the semi-finals as they beat Italy and Spain on the way. Meanwhile Luis Felipe Scolari’s Brazilian team were eager to get the ghost of 1998 off their backs .They met England in the quarters where a stunning Ronaldinho free-kick knocked England out. Germany silenced the sea of red at the Seoul Stadium where Ballack scored the winner and then the final through a booking. They met Brazil at the Yokohama stadium and Ronaldo who had scored 6 up until that moment scored a brace past the impregnable Oliver Kahn to give Brazil the win. Captain Cafu lifted their fifth World Cup title.
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Winners: Brazil
Runners -Up: Germany
Golden Boot: Ronaldo (Bra)