by Guy Lerner
June 27, 1998
Italy 1 Norway 0
By beating Brazil to earn a game against Italy in the last 16, Norway raised its
hopes (and the hopes of its supporters) a tad higher than they should have reasonably
been. After all, the team that was expected to be the dark horse in the tournament besides
surprise first-round casualty Spain didn't show any evidence that it would be able to
topple an improving Italian side, other than the hint of fortune against Brazil. Noway was
always going to be a difficult side to break down. However technically limited it is, its
defence is solid, and its long-ball game has unsettled polished teams in the past. But
Italy was more than a match for an uninspired Norway in the sweltering Marseilles heat,
and had put the run past the Scandinavians long before the heat had taken its toll. Italy
started off the better side, looking determined to run at the Norwegian defence. The
policy paid off just as Norway was finding its feet, so Christian Vieri's fifth goal of
the tournament somewhat took the wind out of Norway's sails. The goal came after 18
minutes, when Vieri managed to latch on to Di Biagio's through-ball, beat off defender Dan
Eggen into the box, and place his shot past Frode Grodas. Italy could have had more, and
so could Vieri, but failed to take its chances time and again. Norway created chances of
its own, but predictably its finishing let it down. Norway's woeful finishing made the
team look rather shapshod, which spoiled the merit it deserves for consistent, persistent
build-up play. Italy will enjoy its win, and rightfully so, but Cesare Maldini will know
that unless his team can find the killer instinct in front of goal that has eluded it so
far, a quarterfinal clash against France or Paraguay may not be as pleasant as this day in
the sun.
Brazil 4 Chile 1
The spirit between the two South American neighbours was there for the world to
see as both sets of players openly embraced each other, sharing a laugh or two before and
during what was eventually a show of mastery by the defending champions. Chile had won its
place courtesy of an unfortunate refereeing decision against Cameroon, but had previously
won over the adoration of its fans with spirited displays against Italy and Austria.
Brazil had come into the game on the back of a controversial defeat to Norway, but it had
only itself to blame for a lacklustre performance that left the Norwegian's smiling. But
the samba rhythms from the packed house were decidedly Brazilian, with Brazil's beautiful
supporters wooing its heroes to the performance of the tournament so far. By half time,
Brazil was three goals to the good, and brave Chile was relegated to damage control
tactics if the result was to stay 'respectable'. On 11 minutes, Cesare Sampaio headed
Brazil's opener past Tapia from a Dunga cross. He cleverly evaded the packed defence and
wrong-footed Tapia for his and Brazil's second goal of the game 16 minutes later. Chile
was on the backfoot, and even though it attempted to fight back from its predicament, the
world's best footballer made it safe on the stroke of half time. Ronaldo (who else)
latched on to the loose ball and drove straight into the box, where Tapia was beaten by
his pace and could only trip the maestro for a penalty. Tapia was indeed fortunate that
his only reprimand was a yellow card, but that was best for the game as a spectacle.
Ronaldo took the kick himself with ease, squeezing the penalty under Tapia's desperate
dive. If the first-half score line belied Brazil's superiority, the second half was truly
a display of exhibition football that France 98 has been waiting for. If you needed an
example of the 'beautiful game', this was it. Brazil was stroking the ball around the
field as if it had magnets on its feet. It dazzled Chile with play of a calibre even its
proud neighbours were in awe of, as they were left ball watching for the majority of the
45. That said, Chile showed its mettle when poacher Salas headed past Tafarel after
Zamarano's flick rebounded off the keeper. No sooner had Chile won back some pride than
Ronaldo (who else) drew the keeper and chipped a low shot into the Chilean net. The lead
was restored, as was Brazil's awesome class. On this evidence, the team that forces Brazil
out of the Cup (if any team manages to do so) would have to soak up more pressure than a
hydraulic plutonium drill, and hope to sneak a goal or two past Brazil's never present
defence. Chile goes home courtesy of a lesson learned, having played its part n the best
game of the Cup by far. Brazil goes forward, seemingly invincible, watering at the mouth
for a quarterfinal clash against the equally impressive Danes.
June 28, 1998
France 1 Paraguay 0
Don't let the low score fool you. Paraguay, the minnows of South America that
could hardly have expected to get this far in France, took the game to the hosts in a show
of defiant defending and more than a generous slice of fortune. The French attack was
bemused by the stubborn play of the Paraguayan's as it tried time and again to breach its
walls to no avail. Indeed Paraguay made the French look rather ordinary as it resorted to
long balls and wayward passes in its folly to unhinge Chilavert's goal. But in truth,
France should have scored, and on several occasions, it came close with shots rebounding
off the woodwork. France made five changes from the second-string outfit that toppled
Denmark in its last game. Paraguay made two changes from the team that beat Nigeria and
earned its place in the last 16. And it was Paraguay's changes that had more effect, if
only from the lack of French flair in front of goal. Trezeguet, Diomede, Djorkaeff and
Henry all tested Chilavert in the fisrt half, forcing world class saves out of my pick as
keeper of the tournament. The partisan French crowd was getting increasingly nervous, and
when Henry had only the keeper to beat and hit the upright instead, you could almost hear
the collective sigh of despair reverberating around the stadium. Paraguay succeeded in
forcing extra time, and was six minutes away from forcing a penalty shootout it fancied
itself to win when veteran French defender Laurent Blanc scored the first ever 'golden
goal' in a World Cup game to send his team and the nation into pure ecstasy. The golden
goal rule was put into place by Fifa to try and avert the inevitable albeit gut-wrenching
fracas of a penalty shootout, and it worked like a charm for France. The devastated look
of Paraguay's defenders and the consoling handshakes of the French will live with us for
many years to come, as will the memories of a classic game. We can only whet our
imaginations for the clash of the titans when France meets Italy in the last 8.
Nigeria 1 Denmark 4
You want goals, we've got goals. For the second day running, the last 16 produced
a five-goal stunner, and it was Denmark who benefited most from the balance. The Danes had
quietly taken over the dark horse reigns from disgraced Spain and defensive Norway, and
overhauled a shell-shocked Nigerian side brittle in defence. The Super Eagles had their
wings clipped as early as the third minute, when the influential Michael Laudrup rolled
the ball to debutante striker Peter Moller who crashed a 15-yard left foot shot into
Rufai's net. Before Nigeria could recover, the Danes were two up. Rufai looked iffy at
best, and he made a hash of Moller's free kick, blocking it into the path of Brian Laudrup
to score from close range. Nigeria didn't know what hit it. Denmark was playing a game not
dissimilar to Brazil's silky passing style, running circles around the Eagles who were
forced to shoot from far and wide at an unperturbed Schmeichel. 'Jay Jay' Okocha was the
only sign of inspiration in the deflated Nigerian side, weaving his trickery on the flank
to provide two good crosses into the box that were headed off target or missed completely.
His own shots were annoyingly high off the mark. On 59 minutes, Danish substitute Sand
ended the game as a contest when he latched on to a deft Michael Laudrup pass to slot home
Denmark's third. Sand's substitution showed the perfect timing of coach Bo Johannson, as
he'd only been on the pitch for a minute and scored with his first touch of the ball.
Thomas Helveg made it four 15 minutes later when he clinically finished off yet another
Rufai mistake. The only consolation for Nigeria was a Tijani Babangida goal a minute
later, but it was too little too late for the poor Africans. Denmark knows it won't be so
easy against Brazil, but on this display, its confidence will be high. Africa may be
bitter at the exit of its last remaining hope in the tournament. It proves that unless the
organisation of the game on the continent is drastically improved, and the gravy train of
selfish players and administrators is quickly derailed, Africa doesn't stand a chance
against the cool professionalism of world football.
June 29, 1998
Germany 2 Mexico 1
Perhaps it was the inexperience of taking the lead for the first time in the
tournament that allowed Mexico to slip against Germany. But in the final analysis, the
Germans looked good value for a win that they'd just about earned against a brave but
outclassed Mexican outfit. The first half was as dicey as could have been predicted in a
game between the two escape artists of France 98. Thrice before, Mexico had come back from
a deficit to draw or win a game (draw against Belgium and Holland, win against South
Korea). Germany survived a two-goal deficit against Yugoslavia to draw the game and win
the group. So it wasn't surprising when both teams made (and missed) excellent chances to
go ahead into uncharted territory. Germany, and Oliver Bierhoff in particular, will
remember the header that nearly was five minutes from the interval, when he only had a
lost Campos to beat to goal. The miss seemed even more ominous when Mexico produced a
stunning opener two minutes after the break. 'El Matador' Hernandez, Mexico's hero against
South Korea and Holland, skipped past the challenges of Michael Tarnat and Christian Worns
to score an exceptional individual effort past Kopke. The German keeper can count his
blessing after he again denied a close-range Hernandez effort minutes later, having
parried an attempted Lothar Matthaeus clearance into his path. Hernandez should have done
better. His misfortune allowed Germany back into a game they were previously in control
of, and the team that had proven its resilience time and again didn't need a second
invitation. On 75 minutes, German captain Klinsmann pounced on Raul Lara's mistake to
level the score with a lunging shot at goal. Ten minutes later, Bierhoff made amends for
his first half error when he scored one of the best headers seen at the tournament, a deft
flick past a rising Lara. Campos had no chance. The German's will pat themselves on the
back. They had once again created an escape that's stunned the opposition, and signed a
warning to its next rival to beware of complacency. Nonetheless, Berti Vogts won't sleep
well with his side failing to find top gear for the umpteenth match in a row.
Holland 2 Yugoslavia 1
It was billed as 'the potential game of the tournament', a 'lip-licking affair'
between Europe's best, and a 'mouth-watering prospect' for world football. But the
much-publicised clash between Dutch masters Holland and football technicians Yugoslavia
fell well short of its reputation. The reasons for this, and there are several, can be
summed up in one word: Yugoslavia. The negative, defensive tactics of 'Europe's Brazil'
stifled the positive approach of the Dutch for most of the first half, and it was only
through sheer determination and a touch of luck that the Dutch managed to prize an opening
before half time. Arsenal ace Denis Bergkamp collected a long ball from Frank de Boer,
shrugged off Zoran Mirkovic, and fired a shot that Yugoslav keeper Kralj should have
saved. It was just about as much as the Dutch deserved. For all their enterprising play,
they did miss some crucial chances, with Cocu at fault for two wayward headers. The goal
opened up the game, and took the Yugoslav's out of their self-imposed shell. Three minutes
after the break, Yugoslavia was level when Komljenovic headed in Dragan Stojkovic's free
kick. The Dutch marking was atrocious, and bad turned to worse when Jaap Stam conceded a
penalty two minutes later. The Dutch-biased crowd was silenced as Real Madrid star Predrag
Mijatovic stood up for the kick. By the time his shot rebounded off the upright, the Dutch
were back in the game. By now, the play had come to life, with the shaken Dutch gaining in
confidence, and the Yugoslav's chasing them around the field for the winner. But it was
Holland that booked its place against England or Argentina when deep into injury time,
Davids smashed home a deflected shot from outside the crowded area to win the game. The
elation (read relief) on Hiddink's face as the final whistle sounded was testament to a
flaw that the otherwise impeccable Dutch seem to have. If they relax should they go ahead
in the quarterfinal, they may well be made to pay.
June 30, 1998
Romania 0 Croatia 1
Real Madrid may not have needed him, but Croatia's Davor Suker made a name for
himself against Romania when his penalty kick knocked his eastern European neighbour out
of the tournament. In a drab, defensive match, both teams created few chances to score and
fewer to entertain as they slugged it out for the privilege of meeting Germany in the
quarterfinals. As a show of unity, the Romanian's bleached their hair bright yellow, but
despite the hilarity of the spectacle, were unable to turn their humour into cheers. In a
game dominated by the midfield maestros - the veteran Hagi for Romania and the exciting
Boban for Croatia - the opportunities for an all-out attacking game were always going to
be limited. It was Croatia that made the most of a frenetic start, played in blazing hot
conditions, and forced Romania's Stelea into a string of fine saves to keep his side in
the match. It was all that the keeper could do to stop Suker from opening his account,
saving his shot twice from close range. An accurate volley and a ferocious long-range shot
minutes later again found the keeper in top form. The deadlock was finally broken well
into half time injury time when Popescu brought down Aljosa Asanovic in the area. Suker
buried the penalty, but the referee spotted an infringement and ordered the penalty to be
taken again. With nerves of steel, Suker put the ball into the same corner, and Croatia
was ahead. It was a lead it would keep until the final whistle, and dominated the second
half with Romania running out of ideas. Three Romanian substitutions couldn't swing the
balance, and Croatia held on for the minnows-versus-giants clash with Germany.
England 2 Argentina 2 (Argentina wins 4-3 on
penalties after extra time)
In 1986, the 'Hand of God' robbed England of a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
The enemy then was Argentina, inspired by the flawed brilliance of Diego Maradona. It was
the Argentine maestro that cheated the referee into believing his blatant handball was a
goal - an evil that has scarred the hearts of English fans then, and now. The England team
of yesterday is gone, and today's braves have little or no recollection of that fateful
day. Instead, they were to be dealt a fateful day all of their own, and as fate would have
it, Argentina was once again the victor. If for no other reason, this game will go down in
world Cup history as the best game of the tournament and one of the best games of all
time. It was a swashbuckling display by two of the world's best teams, and for different
reasons. England, lacking in skill perhaps, has shown the courage, the discipline and the
heart to win over the watching millions of football supporters. Argentina, desperately
trying to shake off its poor reputation, has evolved into one of the most talented teams
to grace this stage, technically brilliant and tactically superb. Yes, the Argentine
persuasion to cheat the beautiful game has not been completely vanquished - and in part
could be cited as a reason for England's ultimate demise. But it was not the only reason,
and for the most part, Argentina played its role to perfection.
The first dubious incident in a frenetic opening period came after five minutes. Simeone snuck into the box, and was going away from goal when David Seaman was adjudged to have brought him down. Not only was the England keeper innocent, but Simeone should have been cautioned for a blatant dive. Nevertheless, Batistuta calmly stepped up to bury the penalty. But it may have been a blessing in disguise. The penalty sent a tide through England's resolve, and lifted the team to possibly its best performance of the modern era (yes, even better than the masterpiece against Germany in the semi final of Italia 90). And the scene was set for the brightest star of the English game to shine. Michael Owen was widely tipped to be the potential revelation of France 98, but few could have imagined how much of a revelation he'd become. His pace frightened the life of the Argentine defenders, and on 10 minutes, his run into the box resulted in a foul and an England penalty. Shearer's calm finish put England level, and Argentina was suddenly on the back foot. England attacked in droves, and methodically soaked up Argentina's pressure.
Then came the moment of magic. Beckham picked out Owen on the centre circle, and the young superkid set off like a rocket towards Argentina's goal. He cleverly cut over the front of the first defender, side-stepped the second, and smashed a pinpoint finish past Roa into the top corner of the net. It was the goal the World Cup was waiting for, and the goal that will mark the entry of a genius in the record books. Argentina was stunned, but to its credit, it fought back valiantly. England could have taken the game when Paul Scholes missed a sitter from five yards out - one of many missed chances that contributed to the coming disaster. A minute from the break, the Argentine's pulled one of the best set pieces I've ever seen. With the England wall expecting a shot from a free kick metres outside the area, Batistuta instead rolled the ball to the vacant Javier Zanetti who pulled the score level. It was a cruel blow for England, who looked good for their lead, but it wasn't to be.
The second half began at an equally furious pace, with both teams looking to attack from the whistle. Perhaps it was inevitable, or maybe unforgivable, that a moment of madness would turn the face of this classic so sharply. Diego Simeone, Argentina's shady captain, clattered into the back of Beckham, then sank his studs into his back. With a rush of blood, the foolish England midfielder kicked out at Simeone. He hardly made contact with the Argentine, but Simeone went down as if hit by a sniper's bullet. The referee was fooled - Beckham was sent off, Simeone was cautioned and told to play on. Only four days earlier, Beckham was England's hero as he helped his team demolish Colombia. Today, he was the villain who may have cost it the game. What followed will go down in English lore as the most solid show of resilience put on by a team wearing the three lions of England. Try as they may, the Argentine's couldn't break down the English formation. Even with a numeric advantage, Argentina was forced into shooting from outside the box, if at all. Ironically, Owen could have regained the lead when his pace once again took him past the Argentine defence, but the ball bobbed cruelly to ruin his shot. Minutes later, an England 'goal' was disallowed for a fould by Shearer.
Extra time, and the golden goal rule. England had a clear chance to win it all - a deliberate handball in the area, but the referee showed little interest. The game ended with two sides that can hold their heads up high and proud. The lottery of the penalty shootout is hardly worth the mention. For the third time in a major tournament, England failed to overcome the curse that had beset it since Chris Waddle skied the losing penalty against Germany in Italy. This time, it was David Batty who failed to score, but it is not a shame for the man or the team. England did not lose, but was eliminated nonetheless. Such is the cruelty of football, that the beauty of the game survives any one man or moment. England will go home wounded but hardly beaten. Argentina will have to live with its own guilt and glory, and overcome the deadly Dutch in the final 8.
Copyright © 1998 by Guy Lerner
"Go Inside" is a David Boles Trademark