Fans love to argue about which World Cup can be called the best in history. Someone recalls the Argentine tango in 1978, others talk about the French triumph of 1998 with nostalgia.
However, our favorite is, of course, the 2002 World Cup.
Yes, in memory, scandals with refereeing are still fresh, which, for the rest of their lives, have repaid hunting from football officials to hold championships in Asia. And, of course, we remember how sad it was to follow the game of the Russian team, who came to Japan and South Korea as if only to arrange a couple of sleepless nights.
But still bright moments are significantly outweighed. We’ll talk about them today.
1. Shocking start and early output of favorites
World Championships love for unpredictability. And in this sense, the 2002 World Cup surpassed all expectations. The current champion – the French team with Zinedine Zidan – came to defend the title, but sensationally failed. The “tricolor” not only did not leave the group, but did not score a single ball, becoming the biggest failure of the tournament.
GUS Hiddink / Photo: © Shaun Botterill / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
But others flashed: the Senegalians with the victory over France, the Americans who went to the quarterfinals. And also, of course, the national team of South Korea. The wards of Hus Hiddinka made an incredible one, reaching the semifinals. Similar sensations have become the hallmark of the tournament.
2. Earynasters in the playoffs
There are matches that you want to show my friend, girl or mother indifferent to football. Because you are sure that by looking at them, they will love this sport. So the playoffs of the World Cup in Korea and Japan almost entirely consisted of such games.
What was the legendary match of the 1/8 finals, where the national team of South Korea, adjusted by the frantic support of his native stands, in an incredible in the wrestling of the struggle defeated formidable Italy!
What about the quarter -final between Brazil and England? What is not a match worthy of the final? Of course, first of all, the game was remembered thanks to one person – Ronaldinho. His masterpiece penalty from almost 40 meters has become one of the most discussed goals in the history of the world championships. We sincerely sympathize with everyone who saw this legendary moment only on repeat years later. On the live, emotions were indescribable.
Ronaldinho (in the center) / Photo: © Richard Sellers / Allstar / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
Ronaldinho, of course, is a unique player. He managed to become an idol for several generations at once. For those who saw his game live, Ronnie is associated with nostalgia for a bright, carefree era and the best matches of yellow-green.
For the Zumers who did not find the heyday of his career, Ronaldinho is an icon of style and the protagonist of YouTube rings. His tricks and goals have become viral and still collect millions of views. The Brazilian, in fact, laid the foundation for everything that is considered “highlights” on the Internet today.
3. Stars and Hollywood drama
This championship gave us many bright heroes. Probably the main one is Oliver Kan.
The German goalkeeper in those years was at the peak, speaking the captain and leader of the team. And in Japan and Korea, he gave out perhaps the most powerful tournament in his career, becoming the only goalkeeper in history that was recognized as the best player in the World Cup.
Oliver and looked like the hero of the action movie. The eccentric charismatic with a severe gaze, he resembled a man who does not stand at the gate, but saves the world. And how relaxed he chewed chewing gum even at the most intense moments of games gave his work special equanimity.
Oliver Kang / Photo: © Picture Alliance / Contributor / Picture Alliance / Gettyimages.ru
However, a tragedy happened in the final. After the mistake of Canaldo scored the first goal, and then the second. The ideal story of the goalkeeper ended with tears, but from this it became only more cinematic.
In general, trophies to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were so boring that it seems that no one except them, until recently, received a “golden ball” in this century. But this is not at all the case. Since 2000, when Luis Fige took the award, before the dominance of the greatest, the Golden Ball managed to get more than seven more people, and most of them flashed at the World Cup in Japan and Korea.
4. The unique Brazil and the Trio Roriro
I must admit, in the era of total pressure, protracted “changes” and complex technical and tactical delights, we sometimes miss the open football of the early two thousandths.
After all, it was a time of heroes and individual skill.
There is nothing more captivating in football than a genius in the open space, which bypasses several rivals, gives a difficult pass or beats from afar.
Ronaldo / Photo: © Sportsphoto / Allstar / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
Of course, the 2002 World Cup was rich in such performers, but Brazil’s legendary team is worth it. Ronaldo, Rivallo and Ronaldinho – the famous trio Rorirro were responsible for success. They scored 15 goals for three, and Ronaldo with eight goals became the best scorer of the tournament, proving that his career was not completed after the most severe injury. Even a celebration of heads, he managed to give an element of the show, demonstrating the new hairstyle “Crescent”, which instantly became a hit.
The confrontation between Brazil and Germany, the two best teams of the tournament, turned out to be symbolic in a sense. Kings of the spectacle prevailed over pragmatists. Fans value this especially. After all, most often in football happens the other way around.
5. The fastest goal in the history of the tournament
What else do we love the world championships? Of course, for outstanding records.
And at the Asian tournament there was just that. In nothing, which is not meaningful, the match for the bronze between sensational Turks and no less amazing owners from South Korea, striker Hakan Schyukur, made that anyone succeeded before him.
Hacan shyukur / photo: © Neal Simpson – Empics / Contributor / PA Images / Gettyimages.ru
As soon as the starting whistle sounded, the ball was at the Turkish striker, and already at the 11th second he stuck it into the net of the gate of Lee Vun-je!
This record remains to this day.
