The FIFA World Cup 2002 was a football tournament that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest ever. Hosted by South Korea and Japan, it was the first time in history that two countries shared the hosting duties for the tournament. This year’s event was memorable for a multitude of reasons, from the exciting and high-quality football on display to the amazing host countries and their passionate fans.
The tournament was an undeniable success. Matches were played in a variety of stadiums across the two countries, with a total of 64 games being played over the course of the competition. An estimated 3.2 billion people watched at least one game on television, making it the most-watched sporting event in history at the time.
South Korea and Japan as Co-host nations were granted automatic qualification, with the remaining 30 teams participated in the 2002 World Cup, including 15 European teams, 5 South American teams, 3 North American teams, 5 African teams and 2 Asian teams. China, Ecuador, Senegal and Slovenia made their World Cup debuts.
Group stage began on 31st May 2002. The group stage saw some exciting matches. The 2002 World Cup also produced some of the most memorable matches ever. The tournament opener between France and Senegal was an instant classic, as Senegal produced a shock 1-0 victory over the reigning champions. Also in Group E Germany defeated Saudi Arabia 8-0. Argentina, one of the favorite team of the tournament, Eliminated in Group stage. Other strong teams like Portugal, Uruguay and France Eliminated in Groups Stage.
Round of 16 started from 15th June 2002 with Germany, USA, Spain, South Korea, Brazil, Turkey, Senegal and England qualified for the next stage. Major upset in Round of 16 was South Korea VS Italy match, with S.Korea defeated Italy 2-1 by scoring Golden Goal in Extra time from South Korean Player Ahn Jung-Hwan in 117th minute.
Quarter Final stage of FIFA World Cup 2002 began on 21st June 2002. Brazil defeated England 2-1. Germany defeated USA 1-0. Turkey defeated Senegal 1-0, by Golden goal in 94th minute, scored from İlhan Mansız. South Korea again defeated one of the favorite and strong team of World Cup, Spain on Penalty Kicks by 5-3.
Germany defeated South Korea 1-0 in 1st Semi-Final on 25th June 2002. Brazil defeated Turkey 1-0 in 2nd Semi-Final on 26th June 2002. Another major record in this world cup was in 3rd / 4th position match between Turkey and South Korea, from Hakan Sukur by scoring fastest ever goal of World Cup in just 10.8 seconds after kick-off ( S. Korea kicked off ).
Final match held on 30 June 2002 in Yokohama, Japan. Brazil easily defeated Germany 2-0. Ronaldo scored two goals in 67th and 79th minute. Brazil remained undefeated through out the tournament.
The 2002 World Cup was also the last one to use the Golden Goal Rule.