by Guy Lerner
June 10, 1998
Brazil 2 Scotland 1 (opening match, Group A)
Brazil, the holders and the braves of Scotland played to an entertaining feast
unlike so many opening matches from previous tournaments. Not since 1962 have three goals
been scored in the curtain raiser. Scotland was sunk by a cruel own goal from Tommy Boyd
after John Collins equalised the Brazilian opener with a penalty kick in the 38th minute.
Cesar Sampaio put Brazil ahead after four minutes with a deft header after some poor
Scottish marking from the Brazilian corner. The hero turned villain when he upended Kevin
Gallacher in the Brazilian box to concede the penalty. The second half was a level affair,
with Scotland looking certain to hold on to a point, or even sneak a winner, when tragedy
struck. Cafu touched on a cutting pass from Dunga, and Jim Leighton could only block the
shot into the path of Boyd, who had no time to get out of the way. The result was hard on
a determined Scotland, who continues its poor record against Brazil, but also showed up a
number of frailties in a Brazilian side that was not as solid as expected.
Morocco 2 Norway 2 (Group A)
Norway was surprised by a resilient Moroccan team that took the lead twice before
conceding a draw in the 61st minute. The African outsiders went ahead with a brilliant
strike from Moroccan star Moustafa Hadji. But Norway levelled the field in first half
extra time through an own goal by defender Chippo, who put the ball past the flailing
keeper trying to head it to safety. Morocco regained the lead in the 59th minute when
Abdeljilil Hadda smashed a rising shot into the Norwegian net after beating off a
defender. The lead was short-lived, as Dan Eggen scrambled in a Bjornebye corner to secure
a point for Norway. The draw left the group wide open, with Morocco, Scotland and Norway
having to battle for a spot behind leaders Brazil.
June 11, 1998
Italy 2 Chile 2 (Group B)
Roberto Baggio stole the headlines with his penalty kick in the 85th minute, but
the game belonged to a desperately unlucky Chile who looked certain to upset the Italians
in the opening match of the group. Baggio, who skied the infamous penalty in the 1994
final to give Brazil its fourth victory, converted a fortunate penalty after Chilean
defender Ronaldo Fuentes was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. It was not a
deliberate hand ball, but a hand ball nonetheless. In the first half, Italy went ahead
against the run of play when Christian Vieri finished off a brilliant Italian
counter-attack. Paulo Maldini stole the ball of a Chilean attacker, heaved it upfield to
Baggio, who slotted it neatly into Vieri's path. The Italians looked set to go into half
time with a one goal lead, but Marcelo Salas, Chile's super striker, poached a shot from
the injury time corner with one of his only meaningful touches of the half. In the second
half, Chile went from strength to strength as it closed down the Italian midfiled
(frustrating it with its infamous South American play-acting tactics), and Marcelo Salas
awarded the pressure with a deft header in the 50th minute. Chile was headed for a win and
a likely top spot until Baggio paid his dues for the 1994 final blunder.
Cameroon 1 Austria 1 (Group B)
The African lions were desperately unlucky to concede the draw to an uninspiring
Austrian side, but have only themselves to blame for Toni Polster's injury time equaliser.
A first hour that can only be described as 'sleepy' hardly kept the crowd awake, but the
game burst to life on the hour mark for a heart-pacing finale. With both teams trying to
settle their nerves for the big occasion, Cameroon took the lead through Pierre Njanka,
who carried the ball from inside his own half and teased two Austrian defenders before
curling his shot past Konsel. The goal injected confidence into the African's game, which
looked decidedly average, almost unprofessional, until then. Suddenly, the Austrian goal
was under siege, and the Austrian coach panicked into a last-ditch substitution, throwing
three attackers onto the field. Cameroon sould have sealed off the game with five minutes
remaining, but the Austrians held on, and forced the Africans into a corner with the last
move of the match. Concentration low, Cameroon made a hash of the marking, and Polster
snuck in between three defenders to smash the ball into the top corner of the net. The
final whistle brought no joy to the lions, heads bowed and pride broken.
June 12, 1998
Bulgaria 0 Paraguay 0 (Group D)
A goaless draw was the only surprise of this lame match that showed up the
frailties of the less fancied teams in the group. Given the goal flurry of the tournament
so far, it was odds on that a goal would come out of a game that attracted less attention
than a South American dive, but one certainly wasn't worthy of the occasion. The game's
only claim to fame was the first red card of the tournament, awarded to Bulgaria's Anatoly
Nankov for his second bookable offence. Bulgaria's ageing side was noticeably tired by the
time the referee decided to end the match. Only veteran Hristo Stoichkov's off the bar
effort and Paraguayan goalkeeper Chilavert's dramatic free kick took the yawn off the
supporter's faces. If either side doesn't raise its game considerably, the Spanish bravado
and Nigerian army will have a walkover to round two.
Denmark 1 Saudi Arabia 0 (Group C)
The 1996 European champions stuttered to a one-goal win over minnows Saudi Arabia
with an unconvincing, disjointed display. Marc Rieper towered over the Saudi defence to
head in the only goal of the match after 68 minutes, putting to rest the nerves of a
Danish team that looked incapable of taking its chances with any form or confidence. The
win was just reward for a technically-correct display by the Laudrup brothers up front and
in midfield but truth be told, the Danes had louder support than their own performance
warranted.
France 3 South Africa 0 (Group C)
The French public has been accused of treating its team with some disdain in the
run-up to the finals, so a rousing performance in the Stade de Velodrome was just what the
doctor ordered to get the nation screaming for joy once again. France outplayed a
stage-shy South African team making its World Cup debut in France 98, but had gale-force
winds and some shapshod defending to thank for at least two of the three goals they put
past Hans Vonk in the South African goal. The wind played a particularly important role in
the first half, when the silky passing play of both sides was nullified by an inability to
judge the pace of the ball. It also played havoc with the dead ball, as South Africa
realised when Duggary headed a wickedly wind-swept ball into the back of the net from a
French corner. The goal came as a body blow to the South Africans, who looked to contain
the hosts despite some poor distribution and poorer passing. Bafana Bafana tried to
overcome its rude introduction to the best in world football, and bravely sought the
equaliser in the early periods of the second half. Even so, it was the French who looked
more likely to score, and they did so courtesy of a freak own goal by French-based South
African defender Pierre Issa. Having squandered a great opportunity to put South Africa
level in first half injury time, Issa tried in vain to block a tame Duggary effort and
instead deflected the ball past Vonk into the net. It was cruel luck, but spelt the end of
any South African resistance, and in the 92nd minute, Henry took the spoils with a
brilliantly run shot that Issa could only parry into the net. The game was a wake-up call
for a naïve South African public that hoped more than expected a surprise win in
Marseilles, but was perhaps a good lesson for a team that showed determination if not
class in the largest cooking pot of all.
June 13, 1998
Spain 2 Nigeria 3 (Group D)
If the Bulgaria Paraguay stalemate failed to ignite the imagination of the group,
Spain and Nigeria made amends in the best way possible. Sporting a 'hot favourites' title
that belied its unpredictability, Spain began its Nigerian siege with guns blazing and
bombs exploding, forcing wave after wave of attack that resulted in more missed chances
than clear-cut goals. The breakthrough came after 21 minutes when Fernando Hierro curled a
magnificent free kick around the Nigerian defence. However, instead of opening the Spanish
floodgates, the goal spurred the Super Eagles into attack, and within 3 minutes they were
level from a Mutiu Adepoju header. Spain regained the advantage when Real Madrid wonder
boy Raul volleyed a wicked shot into the Nigerian net 2 minutes into the second half, and
it looked to be cruising to victory when disaster struck. Captain and World Cup veteran
goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta made a howler of an intended cross, and instead of tipping
it over the bar, ended up tipping it for a goal. Nigeria capitalised on the error by
pushing ahead in the 79th minute with Sunday Oliseh's mighty 20-foot strike. The Spanish
were gutted, hardly believing that a victory so certain could be turned around in such a
short space of time. But then, that's the love of football for you. A World Cup classic
for sure.
Mexico 3 South Korea 1 (Group E)
South Korea continued its abysmal record of never having won a World Cup game by
throwing away a one-goal advantage and conceding defeat to a relieved Mexican outfit. The
Koreans started off the better team, to Mexico's surprise, and deservedly took the lead
with a deflected free kick off a Mexican head from 25-yards out. Unfortunately, the
scoring midfielder Ha Seok-ju was sent off two minutes later for a rash tackle from
behind. To its credit, Mexico responded well, and levelled the game six minutes into the
second half though substitute Ricardo Pelaez, putting the ball in from close range. It was
Luis Hernandez, the long-haired forward, that took the game away from Korea with two
excellent strikes in the 75th abd 84th minutes respectively, dimming Korea's hopes of
getting anywhere near the knockout phase.
Holland 0 Belgium 0 (Group E)
A slick-passing, quick-footed Dutch side were desperately unlucky to drop two
points to a resilient if not fortunate Belgian side. For all its efforts, Holland was left
empty-handed as Belgium stifled one attack after another and crowded the Dutch midfield,
forcing the ball out wide to the wings. The tactic was a debatable one, since Holland's
best moves came from the wing, particularly from the foot of the brilliant Marc Overmars,
my man of the match by far. He gave his marker Bertrand Crasson such a hard time that
Carasson was replaced after 22 minutes by Eric Deflandre, who was summarily booked for a
foul on the Dutch winger two minutes later. The low point in an otherwise action-packed
game was the needless sending off of Patrick Kluivert, the young hot-headed Dutch
midfielder who carelessly pushed his elbow into the chest of Lorenzo Staelens. To his
discredit, Staelens reacted like he'd been hit by a scud to the forehead, and went to
ground in a heap, fooling the referee into the dismissal. Good to note was the return to
fitness of ace striker Denis Bergkamp, who was sent into play in the second half to boost
Holland's firepower. Just goes to show that a goal feast doesn't always make for a great
game.
June 14, 1998
Argentina 1 Japan 0
Argentina has not won the Cup since 1986, and with a performance like the one
against the tame Japanese, it'll have to wait another four years to try again. Japan were
always in the game, even after Gabriel Batistuta put the fancied South Americans a goal up
in the 28th minute with a deft chip over keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi. That said, Kawaguchi
kept Japan alive with some fine saves, Baristuta coming close with a powerful header and
rebounded shot in the first and second halves. For all its quick passing and nimble
footwork, Japan could not create any chances for its strikers, and was left to rue what
could have been if its approach was more direct.
Yugoslavia 1 Iran 0 (Group F)
For the 'Brazilians of Europe', a stubborn Iranian side proved no pushover, and
made the Yugoslav's look rather average for most of the match. Only a deflected free kick
and poor goal keeping let in a Sinisa Mihajlovic shot that separated the sides at the
final whistle, and pushed Yugoslavia one step closer to the second round. Iran seemed well
organised, and played the underdog role to perfection, frustrating the Yugoslavs and
spoiling their game plans. But the Europeans have themselves to blame for poor passing and
distribution, and must have sighed with relief at the ball hitting the back of the Iranian
net.
Jamaica 1 Croatia 3 (Group H)
Another case of class outwitting passion when Croatia crushed the jamba of the
Jamaican fans by sinking their team in a four-goal thriller. Croatia always looked sharp
in front of goal, and played an attractive attacking game that eventually held the Reggae
Boyz at bay in the second half. The first half opened with a gutsy display from Jamaica,
World Cup debutantes, after it went a goal down to a Mario Stanic drive. It gave as good
as it got, and was rewarded in first half injury time with a bullet header from Robbie
Earle. Despite its show of resilience, Croatia turned on the style in the second half and
Jamaica simply had no reply. Be it inexperience or overconfidence after sinking a surprise
goal, the islanders succumbed to a rampant Croatia, who went one and then two up through
Robert Prosinecki and Davor Suker respectively.
June 15, 1998
England 2 Tunisia 0 (Group G)
At last, England got its start in the World Cup, putting the nerves of an
expected nation at ease. Glenn Hoddle's side took control of the game from the kick off,
moving forward in droves at every opportunity, and feeding its front pairing of Shearer
and Sheringham (the venerable SAS) well from the wings and midfield. Hoddle
controversially selected Darren Anderton at right back in place of Manchester United's
glory boy David Beckham, a result that was justified by the score line if not by the
opinions of the fans. Sheringham was understandably selected ahead of Liverpool star
Michael Owen, but was replaced by the youngster six minutes before time to the elation of
the vociferous England support. A game that was technically in England's favour proved as
much when captain courageous Alan Shearer headed in a curling free kick from Graeme le
Saux three minutes before the interval. The playmaker, however, was young Paul Scholes,
given the unenviable task of filling Paul Gascoigne's shoes, and doing so with some style.
Scholes fed the ball around the park, and made a handful of chances for himself that he
should have capitalised on. He eventually put his name on the score sheet in the 89th
minute with a swerving shot from outside the box into the top corner of the Tunisian net.
Tunisia did create a number of chances of its own, and David Seaman had to make a flurry
of good saves that kept his senses honest. For the majority of the game, however, the
England keeper was a spectator, watching a fluid England silence its critics with skilful
football and truckloads of determination.
Romania 1 Colombia 0 (Group G)
Neither a lacklustre Colombian side or and ageing Romanian side left England with
any fear of the coming confrontations in the group. The Romanian goal was a stunner, a
solo run by Ilie that caught the Colombian defence flatfooted as he weaved into the box
and looped the ball over the advancing Farid Mondragon in the Colombian goal. Gheorghe
Hagi, the Romanian stalwart, controlled the game from midfield, and although Romania
created several chances to penetrate the Colombian goal, it let the South Americans into
the game with a few chances of their own. Colombia is the only one of five South American
teams that lost its opening match, and its frustration boiled over towards the latter
stages with bookings and dissent from players and fans alike.
Germany 2 USA 0 (Group F)
Although the average age of the German side is over 30, it underlined its class
with a proficient display against an outclassed USA. Two goals, a header by Moeller in the
9th minute and a classic strike by Klinsmann in the 66th belied a much wider difference in
standing between the teams on the day. For a week, the Americans ranted about how little
respect was shown to them by a traditionally cold and arrogant Germany, but they did
little when it mattered most to earn any of that respect they were demanding. In the first
half, America was only allowed one shot on goal, a 35-yard effort by Chad Deering, and the
confident Germans were not going to allow many more. The game was a tale of two halves,
however, and the break saw the Americans come to the play fully armed and ready for
action. Germany still commanded a threat in front of goal, but now the Americans were
creating chances of their own, frustrating a German team that needs to be in control at
all times. Whatever coach Steve Sampson said to his side at the interval must have worked
wonders, because it looked like a side possessed. When Frankie Hejduk bravely met a Dave
Regis cross in the 53rd minute, the tide looked to be turning in favour of the underdog.
It's resilience forced Germany to tighten its belt. It drove at the Americans, effectively
killing the game with Klinsmann's fatal blow.
June 16, 1998
Scotland 1 Norway 1 (Group A)
Scotland the Brave' rang the songs from the grandstands. After a battling display
against Brazil in the opening match of the tournament, Scotland was determined not to
crash out of the Cup at the first hurdle. To do so, it had to overcome a well-organised
Norwegian team full of British-based players, almost an irony in the circumstances.
Scotland upped its game, and came close to taking the lead on a number of occasions in the
first half. Disaster struck soon after the interval when Havard Flo went unnoticed at the
far post to head home the opening goal of the match. You could almost see Scotland heads
drop in unison, but the brave came out fighting as coach Brown made tactical changes to
the midfield. He brought on Weir for Calderwood and McNamara for Jackson, and minutes
later, Weir booted a long ball into the Norwegian box for Craig Burley to loop over the
keeper. Scotland pushed hard at the death, but Norway hung on to rescue the point.
Brazil 3 Morocco 0 (Group A)
Brazil underlined its superiority, as it became the first team through to the
second round of the Cup. It overpowered a meek Moroccan team that failed to recapture the
form that earned it a surprise draw against Norway a week before. Indeed the three goals
it did manage to put past the hapless Moroccan defence hardly flattered its dominance in
the game. Ronaldo, the world's best player at the tender age of 21, opened his tally with
a precise volley in the 9th minute after latching on to a Rivaldo pass. Maker turned
scorer two minutes into first half injury time when he finished a smooth Brazilian move
from close range. The second period was a continuation of the first, with Brazil launching
attack after attack, sometimes looking lazy on the ball in leu of its advantage. Bebeto,
Brazil's veteran striker, capped a cool performance by netting the 40th goal of his
illustrious career, despite being out of favour in the public's (and some of the players')
eye.
June 17, 1998
Chile 1 Austria 1 (Group B)
For the second game in a row, an average Austria salvaged a point from a game it
looked like losing with a dramatic injury-time equaliser. Austrian substitute Vastic
curled in a last-gasp shot to send the Austrian fans into raptures and the Chilean
faithful to tears. Marcelo Salas headed Chile ahead 20 minutes earlier after linking with
his strike partner Zamarano. The lead looked good value for a side that couldn't break the
deadlock despite its attractive football, and looked certain to take Chile to the top of
the group. Austria's defence looked nervous as Salas and Zamarano teased the ball into
attacking positions, but for all its possession, Chile failed to convert its chances into
goals. And we all know that goals win matches, don't we?
Italy 3 Cameroon 0 (Group B)
African lions they may be, but Italy soon tamed the Cameroon into house cats. As
if defeat wasn't enough, Cameroon had Kalla Nkongo sent off two minutes before the
interval for a reckless tackle on Di Biagio. The ten men of Cameroon struggled to break
down the Italians in the second half, particularly since they were defending a Di Bagio
goal scored eight minutes into the match. Christian Vieri took his bounty to three with
two late strikes in the 75th and 89th minutes respectively, ending the brave but futile
Cameroon charge. Italy knew it needed to win this match to stand a chance of topping the
group, and it did so in style to the bemusement of an outplayed Cameroon.
June 18, 1998
South Africa 1 Denmark 1 (Group C)
South American referee John Jairo Toro Rendon took centre stage as Denmark
struggled to draw against a rejuvenated South Africa. The strict, almost callous official
sent off three players and booked six others. It was a game of shame for the fans who
turned out to watch their heroes play, only to be thwarted by Fifa's ridiculous hunger for
discipline and dismissals. South Africa looked out of its depth in the early stages, and
Denmark deservedly took the lead when Allan Neilsen put a powerful volley past Vonk. After
a lengthy post-mortem in the South African back line (questioning why Nielsen was left
totally unmarked), South Africa regained its composure and began to put steady pressure on
the tiring Danes. Helman Mkhalele was guilty of perhaps the worst miss of the finals when
he missed an easy tap-in from two yards out. In the second half, Bafana Bafana went into
top gear as they chipped away at Schmeichel's goal. The hard work paid off when South
Africa's popular striker, Benni McCarthy nutmeged Schmeichel for the equaliser. It was
all-uphill for Denmark after that. In the 67th minute, bad turned to worse when substitute
Molnar was sent off. The advantage was short-lived, as South Africa lost Phiri for his
second bookable offence. The game was in danger of turning into a farce when the nervous
referee, who's ego was obviously too large for the stage, sent Wieghorst off for an
innocuous challenge only three minutes after he'd come on as a substitute. The result
leaves South Africa with hope of qualifying for round two, if it manages to overcome Saudi
Arabia, and France crush Denmark by more than three goals.
France 4 Saudi Arabia 0 (Group C)
There was an air of invincibility about France as it trampled a hardy Saudi
Arabia by four goals in the Stade de France, and booked its place in the last 16. The
score somewhat flattered skilful French side that struggled to break down the
well-organised Saudi defence until the third quarter of the game. Henry gave the hosts the
lead after 36 minutes when he put an easy chance away from close range. The mountain
became even harder for the Saudi's to climb when the second South American referee of the
day, Arturo Brizio Carter, decided to send off defender Mohammed Al-Khilaiwi for a trip
wide of goal. The foul was certainly worthy of a yellow card, but it seemed the referee
was taking the Fifa directive to the letter, again. An increasingly impatient French crowd
had to wait until halfway through the second half for the floodgates to open. Saudi keeper
Al-Khilaiwi, who had made some excellent saves earlier in the game, made a complete hash
of a cross, gifting Trezeguet a simple header from three yards. Trezeguet, who replaced
the injured Dugarry, was himself guilty of missing easy chances, but made amends with his
simple strike in the 69th minute. Henry added his second and France's third when he
latched on to a long ball from the keeper and calmly slotted it into the lower corner.
France completed the rout when Lizarazu finished off a good move down the left. The
sending off of France's star player, Zinedine Zidane, spoiled the victory for the hosts,
and the crowd. One can only hope we don't end up with a five-a-side tournament by round
two.
June 19, 1998
Bulgaria 0 Nigeria 1 (Group D)
The Super Eagles flew boldly into the second round of the tournament with an
attacking display against a slow and uncreative Bulgaria. Nigeria attacked the ball from
the start, spraying passes to all corners of the field, and always looking likely to score
from a direct run on goal. It seemed even Nigeria's defenders were bent on attack, which
left gaps at the back at times for Bulgaria to exploit. Needless to say, the Europeans had
few chances to take advantage of the slack African defending, since they were too busy
trying to keep the ball out of their own box for most of the match. It was run of the
mill, then, when Nigeria took the lead in the 27th minute. Another quick-footed attack
from the Eagles took Daniel Ikpeba into the box, and he coolly slotted the ball past the
despairing keeper. The Nigerians squandered countless chances after that to bury Bulgaria,
chances that eventually allowed Bulgaria back into the game in the final quarter. With
some luck and poor Bulgarian finishing, including a sitter from Stoichkov, Nigeria held on
to earn a well deserved victory and top spot in the group.
Spain 0 Paraguay 0 (Group D)
Javier Clemente, Spain's under-pressure coach, will be the first to admit that
his team put in a poor performance against a stubborn Paraguay that may see the
pre-tournament favourites fall short at the first hurdle. If it fails to qualify, it will
once again live up its tag as perennial World Cup under-achiever. Although the Spaniards
dominated for long periods of the game, they failed to create many chances in front of
goal, and the few they did create weren't put away. At this level, poor finishing and lack
of penalty box inspiration makes it difficult if not impossible to overturn the top sides
in the game. That said, Spain were facing a resilient team concentrating on the point,
epitomised by a flamboyant Paraguayan keeper, Jose Luis Chilavert. He beat off Raul's
flash shot from close range, and parried a goal-bound header from Juan Antonio Pizzi to
keep his clean sheet intact. If Nigeria fail to beat Bulgaria and Spain chokes for a third
successive game against Bulgaria, it'll be curtains for the Latino's and their hapless
coach.
June 20, 1998
Croatia 1 Japan 0 (Group H)
Real Madrid's Davor Suker ran the roost over a solid Japan to take his team to
its second straight win and a second round birth in the tournament. The striker had
several chances kept out of the net by a combination of bad luck, good keeping and a firm
goalpost, but managed to break the deadlock in an enticing game 13 minutes before the
final whistle. Japan had created chances of its own, but it seems its cutting edge is not
quite as sharp as its build-up and defensive play. Although Japan has fallen in the first
round, it can take home credit from a tournament in which it held its own against some of
the strongest teams in the world. With a bit of polish, it can come back in 2000 to
co-host the Cup with a fearsome reputation behind it.
Belgium 2 Mexico 2 (Group E)
In football, the game's not over until the fat lady sings. We've already seen
teams come back from the dead in this tournament, and the four-goal clash between Belgium
and Mexico reiterated the fact. Mexico were practically buried early into the second half
when Marc Wilmots scored his and his team's second goal. It must be said that Belgium were
playing to a man-up advantage, Scottish referee Hugh Dallas having sent off Mexico's Pavel
Pardo for a challenge on Vital Borkelmans. A Belgium side reinforced by the return of
playmaker Enzo Scifo looked a better bet than the team that managed a draw against
Holland, and put the Mexican's under pressure with Wilmot's chested goal from Luis
Oliveira's in-swinging corner. Two minutes after the restart, he put Belgium further ahead
with a swashbuckling run past the Mexican defence. But the tables were turned in the 55th
minute when Verheyen was sent off for fouling Ramirez in the box, and Alberto Garcia Aspe
clawed back a goal from the start. The resurrection was complete when Blanco volleyed home
a Ramirez cross in the 62nd minute. If Mexico does manage to oust Belgium from a
second-round berth, Belgian heads will hand low at an opportunity flubbed.
Holland 5 South Korea 0 (Group E)
My dark horse displayed its pedigree in a five-goal mauling of frail South Korea
that left the group wide open for a picture finish in the last round of the robin. The
return of Denis Bergkamp to full fitness was a highlight of a delightful game that saw the
Dutch toying with their Asian counterparts, making them pay for slack defending and
international inexperience. The Arsenal striker helped himself to the third goal of the
five, after Phillip Cocu and Marc Overmars put Holland two-up in the first half. Pierre
Van Hooijdonk headed in the fourth and Ronald de Boer completed the rout seven minutes
before time. Holland could have scored more as its stylish attack drew circles around the
Korean box, but the Asians held out on a limb to record their umpteenth consecutive defeat
in a World Cup game. It was a display full of class by the overpowering Dutch, making them
favourites to top the group and top the latter stages of the tournament if their form
holds out. Korea are on the plane back home, but not before having a final say against
Belgium that may determine who qualifies and who, well, doesn't.
June 21, 1998
Germany 2 Yugoslavia 2 (Group F)
They may be the oldest team in the tournament, but write the Germans off at your
own Peril. Mexico showed us that a football game is not always a foregone conclusion,
which it seemed to be with Yugoslavia surprisingly leading frustrated Germany by two goals
well into the second half. In the 13th minute, youngster Dejan Stankovic claimed the
opening goal when Predrag Mijatovic's goal spun off the keepers leg into the net. It was
arguably Mijatovic's goal, but with Stancovic in close attendance, Fifa saw it otherwise.
The second Yugoslav goal was a clear-cut goalkeeping blunder that left no one in the dark
as to who put the ball in the net. It was Yugoslavia's gifted captain, Dragan Stojkovic,
who slotted in from point blank range. With the points just about in the bag, Yugoslavia
took its foot off the pedal - a critical mistake, and one that invited Germany back into
the game. With pressure building on the Yugoslav goal, the Germans, who looked a pale
shadow of their former selves for most of the match, managed to pull a goal back with a
deflected Michael Tarnat shot off a despairing Sinisa Mihajlovic. The goal signalled the
end of German complacency, and Bierhoff completed the revival in the 79th minute with a
deft header on target. Yugoslavia clung on to the point, that it would have been happy
with at the start of the game, but that certainly looked more valuable before it lost its
concentration, its way, and its moment of glory.
Argentina 5 Jamaica 0 (Group H)
High on life they may be, but the Reggae Boyz found themselves low on the list of
football's best as Argentina taught them a lesson they won't soon forget. The three-time
champions mauled the Jamaican effort with some irresistible skill, four well-taken goals,
and a penalty for the cherry on top. Ariel Ortega, the 24-year old live wire in
Argentina's attack, put his team one up in the first half with a clinical strike after a
stylish run at the defence. He added a second ten minutes into the second half before
Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina's favourite son, took control of the show. He fired in an
unstoppable right-foot drive from Ortega's cross to put three on the board, and added a
fourth six minutes later. Batistutua became the first player to score a hat trick in the
tournament when he smashed in a penalty kick in the 83rd minute to complete Jamaica's
humiliation. The islanders were outclassed and outplayed, even though they showed some
promise after the opening goal. They did themselves no favours when Darryl Powell was sent
off by the Norwegian referee for his second bookable offence, and it was all downhill from
there. It never looked like Jamaica was going to emulate its heroic Winter Olympics
bobsleigh gold with a team short on experience, talent and luck.
USA 1 Iran 2 (Group F)
It was billed as the mother of all football games, and for once, the Iranian's
got the better of a frivolous American attack. From the outset, the spirit of the teams
and the courtesy they showed one another put to rest the concern that the game's political
overtures would flow over into the match. Flower presentations, handshakes all round and a
joint group picture added a warm touch to a game that lived up to its expectations of
free-flowing football and enterprising play. In the first half, most of the enterprising
play came from America, as it launched attack after attack from the wings, and was twice
denied by the crossbar. For all its determination, America went a goal down against the
run of play when Hamid Eestili headed a textbook-perfect finish from a textbook-perfect
Javad Zarincheh cross. The goal boosted the Iranian's resolve, and in the second half,
they came out armed to the teeth. In a show of panic, America forced its defenders
forward, leaving a huge gap at the back which man-of-the-match Mehdi Mahdavikia used to
guide home his team's second with a fearsome drive past Keller. America was beaten on a
day when poor finishing and hard luck conspired against it. It did manage to pull one goal
back when McBride put away a header he'd been threatening all game, which set up a
frenetic finish to an absorbing game. Iran's victory was well deserved, proof that
football doesn't always imitate life.
June 22, 1998
Colombia 1 Tunisia 0 (Group G)
In an entertaining match that saw both teams fight to keep their hopes of a World Cup
revival alive, Colombia edged out the unlucky Africans by virtue of a goal 7 minutes from
time. Substitute Leider Preciado collected a deft through ball from veteran midfielder
Carlos Valderrama, held off his marker, and shot the ball into the net from just inside
the area. The game saw both teams playing open, attacking football, as only a win would
give them a sniff at round two. Both keepers were kept busy as chances accumulated, but
both were superb in keeping the score down until Preciado struck. The result will be hard
for Tunisia, knocking it out of the Cup with two consecutive defeats. It does keep
Colombia in the hunt, however, and a win in their last game against England will see them
through at the expense of the lions.
England 1 Romania 2 (Group G)
English hearts were left in tatters as Chelsea's Dan Petrescu exposed the jittery
England defence to sneak home an injury-time winner in this group-deciding match. Critics
will point to England's lack of conviction in attack and lapses of concentration in
defence (both of which led to Romania's goals). But truth be told, it lost the game in the
first half when it allowed the Romanian's to settle on the ball and set the pace for the
match. England prefers to play the quick-passing long ball game, while Romania likes to
slow down the tempo and attack on the break. By allowing Romania to hold out the England
attack from midfield, England exposed its defence to the Romanian forwards, who took both
of the two clear chances they had. England was caught napping after the break when Viorel
Moldovan put Romania ahead on 47 minutes. The goal took England out of its self-imposed
trance, and it began pushing forward in attack. A good spell produced no goals, until
Glenn Hoddle played his trump card, Michael Owen. Immediately, England looked sharper in
attack, and on 83 minutes, Liverpool's boy wonder levelled the score to send the crowd
into absolute elation. It was all the more disappointing, then, that a minute into injury
time, poor communication between England's Graeme Le Saux and David Seaman allowed Dan
Petrescu to slip in between them and slot the ball between Seaman's legs. The pain of
defeat was almost unbearable, England heads dropping in unison after believing they'd
earned a well-deserved draw. If the score is not a true reflection of the game, it is
certainly a worry for Glenn Hoddle, who now has to motivate his team to beat or draw
against Colombia. And even if he manages to do so, a clash of the Titans against Argentina
in the last 16 will be waiting.
June 23, 1998
Chile 1 Cameroon 1 (Group B)
Unlucky they may be, but the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon can hold their heads
up high after bowing out of the World Cup with a draw against defiant Chile. Even with
nine players left on the pitch, Cameroon looked the more likely to score, and believed it
did so when captain Biyik put the ball into the net only for the goal to be disallowed by
the referee for a 'foul' outside the box. Chile fought its way into the second round
courtesy of a brilliantly taken Sierra free kick on 21 minutes. The goal capped a period
of intense Chilean pressure in which they were unlucky to put more past the Cameroon
keeper. Seven minutes into the second half, Cameroon looked like it had shot itself in the
foot when Rigobert Song was sent off for his second careless tackle of the match. But
rather than discourage the Lions, it made them hungrier for the win, and on 56 minutes,
the giant Mboma levelled the scores with a clinical header past Tapia. It was all-out
attack from Cameroon after that, and despite the disallowed goal, it looked certain that
Chile would eventually crack under the pressure. It didn't, and instead Cameroon was
reduced to nine when Lavriano Etame was sent off late in the game. Tears of joy (read
relief) swept the Chilean faithful at the final whistle, which will travel with its team
for the showdown with defending champions Brazil on Saturday.
Italy 2 Austria 1 (Group B)
Austria may claim that referee Paul Durkin had the knife out for the Austrian
cause, but in fairness Italy was the better side in a mediocre match that underlined the
Italian's resolve and the Austrian's lack of flair. The lowlight of a lower first half was
Alessandro Nesta self-imposed injury after just four minutes that will keep him out of the
remainder of the tournament with torn knee ligaments. He was replaced by 1982 World Cup
winner Giuseppe Bergomi, a veteran of four finals. Italy came out fighting after the
interval, and Christian Vieri, Italy's dependable forward, scored his fourth goal of the
tournament in three matches to put his tram one up after 49 minutes. It was not until 72
minutes, when the luckless Del Pierro was substituted for Roberto Baggio, that Italy
turned on the style, and on 89 minutes, Baggio outlined his credentials when he ended off
a flowing move to put the ball into the net. But the game was far from over, and when
Austria claimed it's third consecutive injury-time goal from the penalty spot, a final
scurry was on the cards. But it was not to be, and the Austrians will deservedly be
leaving France without making any remarkable impression on the finals. An improving Italy,
on the other hand, would have to wait for the results of the final Group A matches to find
out who it will play in round two.
Scotland 0 Morocco 3 (Group A)
They had showed some promise in the narrow defeat by Brazil, and some class in
the narrow draw with Norway, but the Scots were a shadow of their previous selves in the
do-or-die clash with the unpredictable Moroccans. It was a case of 'oh no, not again' as
Scotland preserved its unenviable record of never having qualified for the second round of
the World Cup in eight attempts. It looked disjointed and overawed by the attacking
Moroccan army, who had an answer to every Scottish question on the day. Scotland began
confidently, but failed to convert its optimism into goals. On 22 minutes, Bassir made it
pay for its indecision as he stole past Colin Hendy and squeezed a flashing shot past
Leighton at the near post. Two minutes into the second half, the veteran Scottish keeper
made sure his name made the headlines for a lame flap at Hadda's chip that only managed to
land keeper and ball in the back of the net. It was good night Scotland, emphasised by
Craig Burley's foolish jab at Bassir that earned him a red card in the 54th minute. The
third Moroccan goal was inevitable, and it came courtesy of Bassir, with a deflected shot
off Colin Hendry. But in football, glory can turn to misery in seconds. Morocco, who
needed a win to edge past Norway in the group as long as the Norwegians drew or lost to
Brazil, were celebrating a second round ticket when Norway began its remarkable recovery
against the world champions. Coach Henri Michel was reduced to tears as he heard that his
side's vigilant victory was worth nothing more than a consolation prize. Morocco fly home
a broken team in victory, Scotland a broken team in defeat.
Brazil 1 Norway 2 (Group A)
Who would have predicted that Norway, a team that's struggled to find any sort of
form against lesser opposition in Morocco and Scotland, could stun the mighty Brazil and
earn itself a last 16 showdown with Italy. I did, but that's irrelevant in this context.
Needing a win to secure a safe passage to round two, the rock-solid, defensive-minded
Norwegians had to come from behind, in ten minutes, in a game that promised few goals if
any. For all of 78 minutes, the long-ball Norwegians, playing a 4-5-1 formation to their
lone striker Flo stifled Brazil's smooth passing and careful build-up play. With a handful
of players left out of the side as a precaution against a second round ban, Brazil
experimented with unfamiliar tactics, ultimately ineffective against a resilient Norway.
But its patience seemed to have paid off when Bebeto landed an inch-perfect Denilson cross
into the back of the Norwegian net, sending its jeering supporters (and no doubt the
listening Moroccans) into raptures. Norway had threatened to score throughout the match,
but unconvincingly so. A clever substitution that introduced Manchester United's Ole
Gunnar Solskjaer added a new dimension to the Norwegian game, a more direct, skilful
penetration of the Brazilian defence. Within minutes, he missed a chance after Flo sent a
hurried cross behind him. It was Flo himself who levelled the score on 84 minutes, finding
a typical Norwegian long ball, beating Junior Baiano, and placing his shot past Tafarrel.
The moment of truth came a minute before the end. The American referee adjudged Flo to
have been handled by Baiano in the box. According to replays, contact was minimal, but the
referee's whistle meant a penalty and intolerable tension for both camps. Rekdal smashed
the spot kick, and the despairing Moroccan's, home. Brazil was left to rue missed chances,
and a South American samba with Chile in round two. Norway will consider itself lucky, but
determined to upset the Azzurri and challenge for a quarterfinal finish.
June 24, 1998
France 2 Denmark 1 (Group C)
The Danes needed a win or a draw to secure their place in the last 16, so defeat
meant anxious moments on the bench and field for the cautious European champions. France
extended its winning run with two strikes in either half. The first was a spot kick
converted by Djorkaeff on 13 minutes after David Trezeguet was up-ended in the box. The
second was a clinical strike by Arsenal's Manu Petit, smashing through a crowd of red and
blue shirts to cap an impressive all-round performance. The Danes did manage to level the
score after Djorkaeff's penalty when Michael Laudrup placed a cool penalty past Barthez,
but it was not enough to overcome the fighting prowess of the French. The result meant
that if South Africa were to beat Saudi Arabia by a three-goal margin, Denmark would
retire early from the tournament at Bafana's expense. If Bafana failed, Denmark could look
forward to a second round clash with the Super Eagles, Nigeria. France, on the other hand,
would have to wait for the outcome of the Group D matches, played later that evening, to
pick from Spain, Bulgaria or Paraguay for its guaranteed round two showdown.
South Africa 2 Saudi Arabia 2 (Group C)
The Bafana Bafana was well aware of Denmark's troubles against France, but could
not lift its game against a stubborn Saudi Arabia to secure its qualification. A good
start saw South Africa in the lead as early as the 18th minute, when Shaun Bartlett, South
Africa's striker of the tournament, drove home a left-footed shot past Al-Deayea in the
Saudi goal. But it seemed the constant bickering between the team and its coach, combined
with the unrealistic expectations from back home, took its toll on the players, and they
allowed the Saudi's back into the game. Instead of going for the killer goal, South Africa
settled on the ball, and made several mistakes that made the Saudi's look sharper and
faster than itself. Lack of conviction as much as defensive fallibility resulted in the
Saudi equaliser from the penalty spot in injury time at the end of the first half. Pierre
Issa, the hapless South African defender who'd had less luck in the tournament than a lame
duck in hunting season, left his foot in on Al-Tunian. Before the Saudi could complete his
theatrical lunge to Earth, the score was level. A Danish defeat should have inspired South
Africa to go for broke, but instead coach Troussier made a hash of his half-time
substitutions and confused the South African momentum to goal. South Africa's fate was
sealed when Issa (yes, poor Issa) clumsily wrestled substitute Ibrahim Al-Shahrani to the
ground to concede South Africa's second penalty and the Saudi's second goal. Only a late
equalising penalty, put away by Shaun Bartlett, managed to save South Africa's blushes,
but it couldn't save its inevitable exit from its first ever World Cup finals. The Danes
were cleared to face Nigeria in round two, while South Africa was on its way to a no-doubt
lengthy post-mortem from a rose-tinted spectacle-wearing football-mad public.
Nigeria 1 Paraguay 3 (Group D)
It would have taken a brave man to back Paraguay, without a goal to its credit in
the tournament, to put three past a rampant Nigeria and send hot favourites Spain crying
out of the Cup. Paraguay needed a win to edge out the Spaniards on points, although it
looked an unlikely prospect after pale draws with Bulgaria and Spain. But it seemed the
Nigerians were keener on nursing their bruises and shielding their stars to worry about
conceding a game to the timid South Americans. With seven players rested, the Super Eagles
looked more like Flying Lovebirds when they allowed Paraguay to head home the fastest goal
of the tournament so far after 59 seconds. Spain should have feared the worst by then, but
Nigeria quickly restored the equilibrium with a goal nine minutes later through Wilson
Oruma from close range. For the remainder of the first half, it was only a matter of time
before Paraguay cracked under intense Nigerian pressure. Surely. But it wasn't to be.
Paraguay must have suffered a stern talking-to from its charismatic keeper and captain
Chilavert (who kept it in the game with a string of world-class saves), and came out like
a team possessed to conquer Nigeria in the second half. On 59 minutes, Miguel Benitez
scored the goal of the game with a cracking 23-yard drive into the top of the Nigerian
net. Nigeria had no answers, and even less conviction, to fight back, and its submission
was complete in the 86th minute when Cardozo spun past its defence and touched the ball
past the shaky Rufai. Paraguay deserved its glory, and Nigeria could hardly be blamed for
guarding its own interests. It's a moot point whether Paraguay could have beaten (or even
drawn) a full-strength Nigeria, but a point that will haunt the Spaniards for years to
come.
Spain 6 Bulgaria 1 (Group D)
Spain came to life in the last of its three group matches, showing off its true
potential and undoubted class. But was it to be too little too late for the embattled
Spaniards, who had to win this game and rely on a Nigeria to stave off a previously-docile
Paraguay to sneak into round two? Irrespective of Nigeria's efforts (or lack thereof),
Spain dominated the highest-scoring match of the tournament so far with a display of skill
and power that crushed an uninspiring Bulgaria into whimpering submission. The sixth
penalty of the day put the Spaniards one to the good after six minutes. Ivailo Yordanov
tackled Luis Enrique in the area, and Fernando Hierro made no mistake from the spot. Luis
Enrique himself put his team two-up twelve minutes later with a perfectly placed shot past
Zdravkov. Spain was hungry, and was surging forward at the news that Nigeria was holding
Paraguay to a draw. It got its reward eight minutes into the second half when Luis Enrique
sliced open the Bulgarian defence and Morientes sent a clinical finish into the bottom
left corner of the net. Bulgaria pulled a goal back through Kostadinov three minutes
later, but by then Spain was unstoppable. News that Paraguay had retaken the lead against
Nigeria threatened to douse the Spanish spirit, but it only spurred on its resolve, and
Raul set up Morientes for his second ten minutes from time. As substitute Kiko added two
more for Spain in the dying minutes, the tears from the Spanish crowd were already flowing
to the news of a Nigerian defeat. The final whistle bought scant consolation for a
thumping victory, as Spain once again showed that football, like life, is not always about
one minute of glory. Spain's mistakes in the past took their toll on the success of the
present, sending one of the brightest prospects in the Cup packing with no place to go.
June 25, 1998
Holland 2 Mexico 2 (Group E)
Mexico has shown some resolve in getting itself into a qualifying position. It
bounced back from a two-goal deficit against Belgium to draw 2-2, and came from behind to
topple South Korea by three goals to one. It therefore only needed to draw against the
brilliant Dutch to secure a second-round spot, unless Belgium trounced South Korea, which
was never likely. From the kick off, however, it was déjà vu for Mexico, going behind
after five minutes to a rasping Cocu shot. The Dutch looked untouchable as they put pass
after precise pass together, and extended their lead on 18 minutes when Ronald de Boer
took Holland's second clear chance with some style. Holland were almost three up when Marc
Overmars chipped a deft shot over Campos, only to watch it sail agonisingly wide of the
post. The second half picked up where the first one left off, with Mexico chasing the
rampant Dutch around the field. Cocu came close to his second when his shot rebounded off
the post in the 51st minute, but the Dutch continued to flub the chances that were coming
their way. With qualification just about in the bag, the Dutch surprisingly took their
collective feet off the pedal, and paid the price. Mexico made a tactical change to its
attacking options, and began prodding at the horde of defending orange shirts. On 75
minutes, the pressure paid off when Pelaez headed past unsighted Dutch goalkeeper Edwin
van der Sar to give his team a lifeline. Despite news of Belgium's difficulties seeping
through, Mexico didn't let up, and was chasing the goal that would take it into the last
16 with Holland. Its revival was dramatically complete with virtually the last kick of the
game. 'El Matador' Hernandez chased down a long ball well into injury time, and somehow
managed to toe-poke it past the stretching keeper. The crowd exploded with the final
whistle, content that both teams had qualified. The only question left to be answered was
who would stand in their way come the weekend.
Belgium 1 South Korea 1 (Group E)
They didn't look sharp before, but on reputation alone, the Belgians were
expected to overhaul winless South Korea and take second spot in the group behind bitter
rivals Holland. With Mexico holding the Dutch to a draw, Belgium had every chance of
taking the ticket. Through lack of ruthlessness or sheer lack of class, Belgium didn't put
enough pressure on the Koreans when it counted, and choked. The stage was set for a
Belgian party when Luc Nilis sent a stinging shot into the Korean net after seven minutes.
But instead of going for the jugular, Belgium relaxed, and allowed South Korea to hold its
line as the game progressed. The error showed when on 71 minutes, Korean captain Yoo
Sang-chul headed in a low cross past the Belgian keeper to level the score, and set up a
tense finish to a mammoth game for the Europeans. Belgium threw everything it had into
attack, but it was too late. South Korea held out, and the Belgians were left to reflect
on three draws, at least two of which should have been turned into wins. There's no second
place for effort in the Cup of dreams.
Germany 2 Iran 0 (Group F)
If you thought Iran's victory over the USA was the mother of all victories, then
the game against Germany was its granny. Iran stood an outside chance of making the second
round (and making Word Cup history) if it beat Germany to the line, a win that would see
the Germans packing and the world looking on in stunned awe. And for an entire half, it
didn't look impossible, as attack after German attack fizzled into nothing more than a
lame finish or a scuffed shot. Iran even had one or two sniffs at the German net before
the half-time whistle, although truth be told, they were distant, hopeless sniffs.
Whatever German coach Berti Vogts said to his team at the interval, it worked. Germany
showed the fire that belied its fierce reputation when it took to the Iranians with a
purpose it lacked in the first forty-five. German legend Lothar Matthaeus moved into his
preferred libero position in midfield, and immediately gave the team a new balance and
poise. The transformation took effect on 50 minutes, when Oliver Bierhoff rose above two
defenders to slot home a Haessler cross past the stranded keeper. Little man Haessler
missed the Yugoslavia game through injury, and was the spark that Germany was missing down
the right flank. With the Iran winded, Germany made it 2-0 eight minutes later when Jurgen
Klinsmann acrobatically headed Bierhoff's rebounded shot into the net. The German's will
be the first to admit they didn't do themselves any favours en route to a fourth crown,
but write them off at your own peril.
Yugoslavia 1 USA 0 (Group F)
The Americans, determined as they were to show they were worth a mention on the
world stage, were rather hastily given their last rites by an incoherent Yugoslavia. Only
one goal separated the two teams at the death, a headed Slobodan Komljenovic shot past
Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel, and Yugoslavia will be well advised to up its game if
it's to stand a trout's chance in a fish pond to overturn the mighty Dutch in round two.
The USA did manage a few shots in the general direction of the goal, but so did
Yugoslavia, and the game degenerated into a scrappy affair that won the Yugoslav's second
spot and the American's a record they'd sooner forget. Perhaps an American public with the
smallest bit of interest in the game will rejuvenate a country full of big-money potential
and precious-few opportunities.
June 26, 1998
Japan 1 Jamaica 2 (Group H)
It was curtains for the debutantes in the group, but Jamaica managed to edge out
the edgy Japanese to record its first win in the tournament, and take home some priceless
pride for its colourful supporters. Theodore Whitmore scored both goals for his team,
although it must be said that Jamaica was outplayed for most of the match by a Japanese
side determined not to leave France empty handed. It did manage its one and only goal of
the tournament, though, when Masashi Nakayama converted on of Japans many chances 15
minutes from time. Whitmore netted his couple six minutes before and nine minutes after
the restart respectively, much against the run of play. But for the Reggae Boyz, it won't
matter how they won. The memory will be sweet, and so will the memories of all those who
had the opportunity to party with its fans well into the night. Japan can look forward to
the new millennium, when it will co-host the finals with Korea, and look to lift its
broken ego from the clutches of the world's best.
Argentina 1 Croatia 0 (Group H)
A scrappy, dare I say boring game saw two teams already qualified jostle timidly
for the right to top spot in the group. Once Argentina had taken the lead in the 36th
minute when Hector Pineda rifled the ball past a stranded Drazen Ladic, Croatia conceded
the defeat almost instantly. Its submission made for a relatively eventless second half,
not the first was anything to write home about. It was a disappointing finale by two teams
that have shown their potential in the earlier matches, but did not want to risk as much
as a scratch before the crucial knockout phase of the tournament. The Argentines, with the
double forward threat of Ortega and Batistuta, will surely be a handful for whomever they
meet in the second round, and some have already tipped them to lift the Cup in July.
Croatia, although bristling with exciting players, showed no signs of anything for anyone
to fear, especially a Romanian team that's proven its mettle against England. On this
evidence, perhaps not even England should lose too much sleep over its next encounter.
England 2 Colombia 0 (Group G)
The country waited, and waited, and finally England took to the field against
Colombia to cast away the fears of an early exit and a shameful performance in France. It
was not to be. Indeed, a young, inventive English side took the game to the uninspiring
Colombians, whose slick passing game soon broke down under England's patient pressure.
England made two crucial changes to the side before the game. David Batty, the resilient
midfield stronghold, was sacrificed for the flare and vision of Machester United's David
Beckham, who proved his worth in the fateful game against Romania. A less surprising
change was the substitution of United's out-of-sorts Sheringham for Liverpool's wonderkid,
Michael Owen. Owen's goal against Romania earned him a starting spot, although public
pressure for his inclusion has been rife long before the tournament began. Both players
showed their class against Colombia, Owen pulling the defence wide open for his team mates
to expose, and Beckham making the running with clever passing and inch-perfect crossing.
But it was another England revelation, Darren Anderton that opened the scoring with a
remarkable shot into the top corner of the net on 20 minutes. The goal immediately calmed
England's nerves as the wind was taken forcefully out of Colombia's sails. On 30 minutes,
England earned a free kick 25 yards out, and Beckham proved his class with a brilliant
curling shot over the wall and past the outstretched Mondragon. It was all England from
then, as attack after attack rattled the South Americans. Colombia made three changes at
half time in an effort to attack the English and steal a win that would see them through
to the next round, but the more they pushed forward, the more space England had to
exploit. Even fizzy-haired veteran Carlos Valderrama couldn't kick the life into his
tiring team. Michael Owen sould have taken the game beyond the Colombians when he found
himself one on one with keeper, but Mondragon spread himself well to deny the youngster.
Alan Shearer made a handful of chances for himself late on, particularly a vicious free
kick that the keeper could only fist away, but the Colombian goal held firm. By the final
whistle, England were worthy winners, and Colombia could not deny they had been well
beaten by the better team. England knows it will have to go one better to topple
Argentina, but even so, its proven once again that it too can be counted among the world's
best.
Romania 1 Tunisia 1 (Group G)
Until late into the second half, and with England leading against Colombia, it
looked like group leaders Romania could concede top spot with a loss to lowly Tunisia. But
it wasn't to be. Tunisia took an early lead when Skander Souayah converted a penalty after
Christian Dulca brought down Adel Sellimi in the box. But Romania, who needed only a draw
to win the group and avoid Argentina in round two, pushed on for the equaliser, and
gradually chipped away at the Tunisians until Viorel Moldovan found it from close range.
The game fizzled out from there, as both teams settled for the draw that would see Tunisia
off and Romania well placed in the last 16.
Copyright © 1998 by Guy Lerner
"Go Inside" is a David Boles Trademark