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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 event moved to the most important continent for the primary time in its historical past.
When entries for internet hosting rights had been introduced, Japan and South Korea had bid individually.
Nonetheless, they had 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 event’s foremost draw was all the way down to 29, because the co-hosts and defending champions France certified robotically. Among the many remaining spots, two had been allotted to Asia, which had 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 had 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, nonetheless, stumbled early on and didn’t go previous the group stage.
France misplaced the opening recreation to Senegal, a former French colony and several other of whose squad members performed within the French leagues. France had 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 Loss of life. England avenged their loss from 4 years earlier, due to a 1-0 win in opposition to the Argentines.
Brazil and Spain blazed their method to the knockouts by successful all three group video games. Spain’s spectacular run got here to an finish within the quarter-finals the place they confronted the mighty dwelling drive of the South Koreans.
Spurred on by crowd help, the house nation had a number of controversial selections go their method. Their quarter-final in opposition to Spain went to penalties, which South Korea received 5-3. They had been, nonetheless, stopped by the Germans within the semi-final.
Brazil’s run was spurred by the return of Ronaldo after a career-threatening damage. The star participant scored 4 objectives within the group matches and 4 within the knockouts, together with two within the ultimate 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 event benefitted the economies of each host nations.
Ronaldo, termed considered one of Brazil’s best gamers, lastly laid his palms on the World Cup after a shocking run within the event.
Brazil received 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) had been used within the event.
Brazil’s Cafu turned the one participant to be a part of three World Cup finals (1994, 1998, 2002).
Lows
Refereeing selections, particularly these involving South Korea within the knockout levels, confronted criticism and got here beneath scrutiny.
Roy Keane of Eire was despatched dwelling after voicing dissatisfaction over the amenities and preparations of his staff.
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