Brotherhood and unity: An alternate history of football

[ArupinumMaivista]

The Prince is back
​

The big news of 2001 were the arrival of Alexander Karadjordjević - the heir of Peter II, who himself was Yugoslavia's final monarch after the April Coup in 1941. The man who had lived in exile with his family in America was for the first time setting foot on the soil of a country his father once briefly ruled over, only this time, he was to stay. His arrival along with Spouse Katherine in Belgrade was awaited with great enthusiasm by the general public, who were for the first time seeing the monarch of their country. 56 years of exile were indeed a long time, and many marked this as the dawn of a new era in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. But, not everyone saw it like that.

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The Croats, Slovenes, Bosnians and Macedonians were weary of this arrival, unlike the enthusiastic Serbs. Many politicians, in particular from the Republic's Left-wing parties were opposed to him becoming a Monarch in fear of him likely establishing a similiar to the 6th Janurary dictatorship that existed before the Second World War. The Parliament of the Federal Republic, with a 48% vote passed a legislation on the 27th February of 2001, in which the decree that stripped Karadjordjević family of Yugoslav citizenship was anulled. If that wasn't enough, the Prince himself voiced his approval of a constitutional monarchy, while the opposition were pro-Confederacy, and some Pro-Federation, as it has been the case since the establishment of the 1992 government.

The protests in front of Yugoslavia's parliament

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Football wasn't safe from this either. Some advocated for the renaming, or even restoring of specific clubs that were banned by the former communist government, to "Respect the historic results that existed, since history didn't began in 1945". Biggest advocates for this were Dinamo Zagreb (That wanted the results of former HŠK Gradjanski), NK Zagreb (supposed successor of Concordia Zagreb), Olimpija Ljubljana (for Ilirija Ljubljana), OFK Belgrade (for the former BSK Belgrade), NK Rijeka (for US Fiumana) and perhaps most notably Red Star Belgrade! Indeed, the Red-and-Whites wanted to associate themselves with the defunct club of SK Yugoslavia, which existed since 1913. The May 5th 1945 decree signed by Mitra Mitrović was more and more denounced by the clubs, and the Yugoslav FA were now thrown into a crisis, as a tug-o-war commenced between the FA and the teams of the country, and the fans weren't any happier. Many saw these as attempts to just pump up their respective club's statistical results, all while risking to throw away their identities. Olimpija Ljubljana and Dinamo Zagreb were especially criticised over this, as they attempted to change their crests to associate themselves with the pre-war sides. Their fans, Olimpija's Green Dragons and Dinamo's Bad Blue Boys claimed how the boards were messing with their religion, and advocated for their boards to be ousted for attempting such sin.

The presented crests for Olimpija Ljubljana and Dinamo Zagreb

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With Stjepan Mesić as the current president of Yugoslavia since 1997 (who himself was taking strides in bringing Yugoslavia closer to the EU), many advocated for emergency elections in order to bring in the change of the constitution as soon as possible, while the opposing side advocated for Mesić to serve his term all the way to 2002, and from then on for the Country to finally decide how it should function. Needless to say, this was a confusing time in FR Yugoslavia, as it seemed like folks couldn't decide if they wanted a confederation, Federation, or a Monarchy.

While this was all happening, the teams were preparing for the new 2001-02 Season of the Yugoslav Federal League. Partisan were poised to strike, with Hajduk as reigning champions. Can the Masters from the sea win it again, or will Ljubiša Tumbaković lead the Steamroller to another title, or will perhaps Dinamo, er, I mean, Gradjanski (?) pounce to take the title and add in their 5th, er, or would it be 10th (?) title. Boy, all of this politicking between teams sure is exhausting...

Hajduk's 2001 team. The reigning champions featuring:
Nino Bule, Darijo Srna, Ivan Bošnjak, Stipe Pletikosa, Tomislav Erceg, Mario Carević, Igor Štimac, Igor Musa, Aljoša Asanović and Zvonimir Deranja

And that concludes my terrible attempt at establishing the current Political climate in Yugoslavia by 2001. Hopefully something here makes sense, because I think it's obvious that my forte is sports, not politics

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

2001-02 in Yugoslav Football:
"Poetry in Zagreb"​

For 10 years now, NK Zagreb has been a consistent participant in the First Federal League, and it has seen its fair and share of ups and downs. The Top 5 finishes in the early 90s were followed by years of mid table stagnation and occasional relegation battles, but the Poets have consistently been a likable team with a crew of hard working boys always sticking it up to the big guys of Yugoslavia. Zlatko Kranjčar has by now has spent a good 3 years as the club's manager, with relatively mixed results, but he had an ace up his sleeve for this year. Ivica Olić, a young man from Slavonia had spent his first years of professional football by playing for local side Marsonia, a club that represents the city of Slavonski Brod. But, "Cico" Kranjčar saw potential in the young man, and he organised a deal for him to play for the greens from Zagreb. So uneventful was the summer transfer window in Yugoslavia that the only really important move was Tomo Šokota's move from Dinamo Zagreb to Benfica, where he would spend his next few years at. Some veteran players finally called it quits, most notably the national team's defender Igor Štimac and midfielder Aljoša Asanović. Amidst the political turmoil over Karadjordjevic's return in Yugoslavia, the 2001-02 season was under way, with newcomers to the league being Montenegrin side Sutjeska Nikšić, and the popular Sarajevo side Željezničar after an astounding 9 year absence. The blues from Sarajevo were now finally back, and they wanted to stay in the top flight of Yugoslavia, and hopefully score some trophies.

Zlatko Kranjčar, a Dinamo Legend - now a leader of Zagreb's poets

The 2001-02 First Federal League​

The league started as expected, with the big 4 all scoring victories, and Zagreb, Varteks and Maribor looking like the best of the rest. Still, the first real surprise occured when at the Zagreb Derby - NK Zagreb managed to draw 3-3 against Dinamo, in what was a highly physical and highly scoring game. Ivica Olić, the newcomer in Zagreb proved to be a jackpot for the underdogs, and a following win against Sarajevo saw Zagreb place themselves 5th, right behind Hajduk Split, Partisan and Red Star Belgrade. The reigning champions Hajduk Split looked like they could be challenging for the title once more, and the most of the season looked like it would be a three-horse race for the championship, A shock result then occured when Zagreb beat the Master from the sea 2-0 away, while Maribor beat Partisan 3-1 at home, thus helping Zagreb jump the top two in the standings, right when Red Star was already beginning to faulter. Dinamo Zagreb was at first seemingly a contender, but a poor run in form after just the first four opening games, in which Dinamo won once and lost thrice led to the sacking of their manager Ilija Lončarević, and in came Marijan Vlak, who in the end almost lost the UEFA Cup position to the dazzling Varteks team.

Partisan's players having a chat

​

Newcomers Željezničar and Sutjeska had relatively decent seasons, with the club from Sarajevo managing to qualify for the Intertoto cup, all while playing an incredibly low-scoring and tactical football, which was considered by many as boring to watch. But, it was working, and the blues, led by Amar Osim were safely placed in the top league. Same could not be said for NK Osijek and Velež. The biggest surprise of the previous year and the club which managed to go all the way to the second round in the UEFA Cup was at the risk of relegation, but a loss against their direct competitor Olimpija Ljubljana saw the Blue-and-Whites going down, while Velež never stood a chance. The loss of Sergej Barbarez and Brazzo Salihamidžić was the final straw, and now the rodjeni were going down for the first time in 48 years. The legacy as one of the most consistent sides in Yugoslavia was shattered just like that, and the fans at the Bijeli Brijeg stadium began to riot.

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Finally with just three games to go, Partisan; Hajduk and Red Star all suffered losses against their rivals, while NK Zagreb was winning against Rad from Belgrade. Knowing that they could no longer be caught, Zagreb's players began to celebrate as they took their first ever title since 1932. It was poetry that could hardly be replicated, and the first time that an underdog left the big teams of Yugoslavia in the dust.

NK Zagreb's XI posing for a photo, with all of them dyeing their hair in white

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Yugoslav Cup finals
​

Once again, the reigning champion managed to go all the way to the final, and this time Dinamo Zagreb was meeting with their friends from Belgrade. In a highly physical match that saw next to no chances by both teams though, Serbia used their opportunity, and Mihajlo Pjanović made the most of it to once again qualify the Stars for the Champions League, while Dinamo would have to duke it out in the UEFA Cup.

​

In what is essentially the Leicester story of Yugoslavia, NK Zagreb wins against all odds, reminiscent of the 2001-02 season of the Croatian League, when they won their only title. I know that there's a typo with the second league being of Serbia and Montenegro, but I don't have the time right now to re-make the entire league table, not until I come back home that is. The next posts will see the Yugoslav National Team, as champions of the World, head to Korea for the 2002 World Cup! Can the Blues defend the title, or will they bottle it?

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

The 2002 World Cup
"Peace, Unity and Friendship"
​

Following the death of Kim Il Sung in 1994, North Korea spiraled into chaos, as famine, poverty and horror. The country that was once seen as the prime example of a communist country in Asia was now but a corpse, that was only being held by strings. The famine, and the ardous march of the mid 90's was soon enough the straw that broke the camel's back, and the country plunged into a coup, when the protests by the starving people were intercepted by the army. In scenes similiar to the Romanian Revolution of 1989, and the protests in Yugoslavia in 1991, North Korea was on a brink of collapse. Miraculously, the people had prevailed, when the army turned against the government. In late 1996, when Kim Jong Il flew away from the country, wishes for unification with the prospering south became even louder, and they would occur in 1997, when the 38th parallel saw the Northern guards welcoming their southern neighbours. The following years were ones of significant financial struggle, as the North was being intergrated in the Korean Republic. By 2002, a divide could still be seen as the Northern cities looked much more desolate compared to the southern cities, but progress was slow and steady.

The unification of the Korean peninsula saw a gateway for the Koreans to host a tournament, following the success of the 1988 olympics. Now, with venues of North Korea at their disposal, FIFA saw this as a chance to expand football to Asia, and the ceremony would take where else but in the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, a behemoth that could hold 115 thousand people, and where a mass choreography took place. The sun rising over Mount Paektu was followed by a Korean peninsula, where three words were shown - "Peace, Unity, Friendship". The thousands of young men and women that were part of the opening ceremony stunned the onlookers. The first World Cup to be held in Asia was now opened, and it promised to be a spectacle.

​

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Having a united Korea as a host is as far-fetched as it can be. I am well aware of that. But, I hope that the tournament itself will be a fun time for you readers, as it will be for me. Main differeneces:
1. Korea is the sole host, thus Iran and Japan had to qualify
2. Australia knocks out Uruguay in the qualifications
3. Scotland qualified after beating out Bulgaria in the Qualifying play-offs
4. England finishes second in their Qualifying group, thus both them and Germany switch positions
5. Czechoslovakia qualifies right during their Golden Generation

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

Hello dear readers. I am afraid that I have to delay the 2002 Group Stage post for perhaps a week, due to situations that are simply out of control in my private life. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

2002 World Cup
"The tigers broke free"
​

Group A
After the spectacular opening ceremony, the first match would take place between minnows Senegal and France. Remarkably, the African team stunned the French courtersy to Bouba Diop, while the other underdog in Australia managed to survive their encounter with Denmark. Indeed, the Socceroos ended up being an invincible team during the group stages, but it just so happens they were outscored by Senegal as they subsequently drew with Denmark, while the latter demolished the French. Les Bleus walked out of the tournament with tails between their legs, wondering what went wrong with the machine, while Australia's players could just laugh it off by not losing a single game. Well, it is definitely one way of going invincible.

Group B
The defending world champions Yugoslavia had a catastrophic World Cup, as a defeat against Spain (3-1) and a surprise defeat against Paraguay (2-1) meant that the Brazilians of Europe wouldn't even reach the knockout stages. Manager Srečko Katanec was in constant conflict with his players, and the whole team played in a style that was simply unrecognisable when compared to how they played in the Euros. Either way, this horrible showing marked a definite end of Yugoslavia's Golden Generation, as most of their players hung up their boots, while the new boys dissapointed. A win against South Africa (2-1) did give their fans some hope, but it just wasn't enough to see the Blues go on, and Paraguay was now for the second time in two World Cups in the knockout stage.

Group C
The Brazilians started off their 2002 campaign with phenomenal demolitions of both Iran (4-) and Costa Rica (5-2), and their progress was only slowed down by a hard-working Czechoslovak side that sported the likes of Vladimir Šmicer, Milan Baroš, Pavel Nedved, Peter Nedved and more. The Velvets did a solid job defeating Iran 3-0, and their comfortable draw with Costa Rica should've been a win if not for a dodgy offside by Nedved. Nonetheless, it was a promising return of the Czechoslovak side after a 12 year absence, while Brazil looked perhaps even deadlier than they were in the last iteration of the World Cup.

Group D
The hosts came guns blazing into the tournament, as Korea managed to defeat Poland (2-0), before stunning everyone by beating the Golden Generation of Portugal (1-0). The subsequent 1-1 draw with the United States not only meant that Korea was entering the Round of 16 at the top of their group, but it also meant for the USA that they were entering the knockout stages ahead of Portugal. Indeed, the Lusos had failed spectacularly, despite fielding a mighty squad of players that just two years ago managed to reach the European finals.

Group E
Ireland and England both managed to do a stellar job in their respective group, as they finished 1st and 2nd. Not only that, but Ireland showed grit against their English rivals with a brave 1-1 draw, but a rocky draw against Cameroon meant that the Boys in green would have to stay in second place, while poor Saudi Arabia looked like they were out of their depth.

Group F
Following their terrible showing in Europe the previous two years, Germany went through further dissapointment as the Mannschaft drew with Sweden and surprisingly against Nigeria, only to lose against Argentina courtersy to Gabriel Batistuta. Speak of the devil, Argentina and Sweden both looked rather stellar in their pursuit for the knockout stages, while Germany looked like they truly need an overhaul after almost a decade of stagnation.

Group G
In perhaps the least attractive group of the tournament, bar Group H - Mexico did a stellar job in topping the group after beating both Ecuador and Belgium, and then drawing with the Azzurri. Italy had a similiar journey, although they did have to put up with a stubborn Belgian side that in the end finished on the bottom after the Ecuadorians won against them by a small margin.

Group H
For their second ever appearance in the World Cup, Japan managed to put up a solid effort. A squeaky 2-2 draw with Scotland was followed by wins against Russia and Tunisia, while the Scots had plenty to celebrate as they managed to escape the group stage. Their tense 3-2 win against Russia saw scenes of mass celebrations all over the country, and Billy Dodds was heralded as the hero of scotland, since he scored the winning goal. The subsequent draw with Tunisia was met with complacency, as it was already clear that Scotland was going through, and so for the first time since the 90s, the World Cup would see the two of the Home Nations participating in the Knockout stage.

Apologies for taking so long with this one, but I have finally gotten the hang of some things which has given me enough will to continue with my timelines. The changes in this timeline are pretty minor, with Belgium practically sharing Croatia's fate in the OTL, and Scotland performing reasonably well in their Group. Special thanks to QTXAdsy for helping me out a bit with the Scottish side of things, while Yugoslavia goes back to their underperfoming ways. Perhaps the biggest change is England and Germany switching places in their Group Stage, and that promises to be quite the spectacle indeed. Let me know what you think of the timeline so far, and let me know who you see going through in the Knockout stages. Until then, cheers

Upcoming matches:
England v Paraguay
United States v Mexico
Spain v Ireland
Korea v Italy
Denmark v Sweden
Brazil v Scotland
Argentina v Senegal
Japan v Czechoslovakia

 

[NTF aka Seb]

England 3-0 Paraguay
United States 2-0 Mexico
Spain 1-2 (a.s.d.e.t.) Ireland
Korea 1-2 Italy (if the incompetent, probably corrupt, refereeing is butterflied away)
Denmark 0-1 Sweden
Brazil 2-0 Scotland
Argentina 1-2 (a.s.d.e.t.) Senegal
Japan 0-1 Czechoslovakia

 

[Neoteros]

England 3-0 Paraguay
United States 2-0 Mexico
Spain 1-2 (a.s.d.e.t.) Ireland
Korea 1-2 Italy (if the incompetent, probably corrupt, refereeing is butterflied away)
Denmark 0-1 Sweden
Brazil 2-0 Scotland
Argentina 1-2 (a.s.d.e.t.) Senegal
Japan 0-1 Czechoslovakia

I think Moreno got busted for a cocaine-related offense a few years ago, too.

Italy's 2002 team was perhaps even better than the team that won in 2006 - many of the same people, but 2006 was, more or less, the last hurrah of that whole generation. We needed a thorough reorganization of the FIGC after Calciopoli but, corrupt suits are gonna be corrupt suits.

 

[Sevsdast]

2002 World Cup
"The tigers broke free"
​

Group A
After the spectacular opening ceremony, the first match would take place between minnows Senegal and France. Remarkably, the African team stunned the French courtersy to Bouba Diop, while the other underdog in Australia managed to survive their encounter with Denmark. Indeed, the Socceroos ended up being an invincible team during the group stages, but it just so happens they were outscored by Senegal as they subsequently drew with Denmark, while the latter demolished the French. Les Bleus walked out of the tournament with tails between their legs, wondering what went wrong with the machine, while Australia's players could just laugh it off by not losing a single game. Well, it is definitely one way of going invincible.
View attachment 850518

Group B
The defending world champions Yugoslavia had a catastrophic World Cup, as a defeat against Spain (3-1) and a surprise defeat against Paraguay (2-1) meant that the Brazilians of Europe wouldn't even reach the knockout stages. Manager Srečko Katanec was in constant conflict with his players, and the whole team played in a style that was simply unrecognisable when compared to how they played in the Euros. Either way, this horrible showing marked a definite end of Yugoslavia's Golden Generation, as most of their players hung up their boots, while the new boys dissapointed. A win against South Africa (2-1) did give their fans some hope, but it just wasn't enough to see the Blues go on, and Paraguay was now for the second time in two World Cups in the knockout stage.

View attachment 850525
Group C
The Brazilians started off their 2002 campaign with phenomenal demolitions of both Iran (4-) and Costa Rica (5-2), and their progress was only slowed down by a hard-working Czechoslovak side that sported the likes of Vladimir Šmicer, Milan Baroš, Pavel Nedved, Peter Nedved and more. The Velvets did a solid job defeating Iran 3-0, and their comfortable draw with Costa Rica should've been a win if not for a dodgy offside by Nedved. Nonetheless, it was a promising return of the Czechoslovak side after a 12 year absence, while Brazil looked perhaps even deadlier than they were in the last iteration of the World Cup.
View attachment 850524
Group D
The hosts came guns blazing into the tournament, as Korea managed to defeat Poland (2-0), before stunning everyone by beating the Golden Generation of Portugal (1-0). The subsequent 1-1 draw with the United States not only meant that Korea was entering the Round of 16 at the top of their group, but it also meant for the USA that they were entering the knockout stages ahead of Portugal. Indeed, the Lusos had failed spectacularly, despite fielding a mighty squad of players that just two years ago managed to reach the European finals.
View attachment 850523
Group E
Ireland and England both managed to do a stellar job in their respective group, as they finished 1st and 2nd. Not only that, but Ireland showed grit against their English rivals with a brave 1-1 draw, but a rocky draw against Cameroon meant that the Boys in green would have to stay in second place, while poor Saudi Arabia looked like they were out of their depth.
View attachment 850522
Group F
Following their terrible showing in Europe the previous two years, Germany went through further dissapointment as the Mannschaft drew with Sweden and surprisingly against Nigeria, only to lose against Argentina courtersy to Gabriel Batistuta. Speak of the devil, Argentina and Sweden both looked rather stellar in their pursuit for the knockout stages, while Germany looked like they truly need an overhaul after almost a decade of stagnation.
View attachment 850521
Group G
In perhaps the least attractive group of the tournament, bar Group H - Mexico did a stellar job in topping the group after beating both Ecuador and Belgium, and then drawing with the Azzurri. Italy had a similiar journey, although they did have to put up with a stubborn Belgian side that in the end finished on the bottom after the Ecuadorians won against them by a small margin.
View attachment 850520
Group H
For their second ever appearance in the World Cup, Japan managed to put up a solid effort. A squeaky 2-2 draw with Scotland was followed by wins against Russia and Tunisia, while the Scots had plenty to celebrate as they managed to escape the group stage. Their tense 3-2 win against Russia saw scenes of mass celebrations all over the country, and Billy Dodds was heralded as the hero of scotland, since he scored the winning goal. The subsequent draw with Tunisia was met with complacency, as it was already clear that Scotland was going through, and so for the first time since the 90s, the World Cup would see the two of the Home Nations participating in the Knockout stage.
View attachment 850519

Apologies for taking so long with this one, but I have finally gotten the hang of some things which has given me enough will to continue with my timelines. The changes in this timeline are pretty minor, with Belgium practically sharing Croatia's fate in the OTL, and Scotland performing reasonably well in their Group. Special thanks to QTXAdsy for helping me out a bit with the Scottish side of things, while Yugoslavia goes back to their underperfoming ways. Perhaps the biggest change is England and Germany switching places in their Group Stage, and that promises to be quite the spectacle indeed. Let me know what you think of the timeline so far, and let me know who you see going through in the Knockout stages. Until then, cheers

Upcoming matches:
England v Paraguay
United States v Mexico
Spain v Ireland
Korea v Italy
Denmark v Sweden
Brazil v Scotland
Argentina v Senegal
Japan v Czechoslovakia

How do you do that wikipedia Group box style?

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

2002 World Cup
"A golden goal for all of Africa"

England v Paraguay​

The Three Lions dominated the plucky underdogs from the very first minute, as Rio Ferdinand scored in the 4th minute. The rest of the match wasn't any different, as England's players performed a fine show by scoring two more goals, Before Celso Ayala made things worse for the Paraguayans by being at the wrong place at the defense, thus leading to an own goal. Out of frustration, Roberto Acuna then punched Owen at the last minute of the match.

Mexico v United States​

In one of the most entertaining matches of the World Cup, United States for the first time met with their arch rivals Mexico. Two countries with completely different Football philosophies up against one another, all while being regional rivals. The game was on, and to the shock of everyone betting for El Tri, Landon Donovan and Brian McBride dismantled the Mexicans with a fantastic US win. It is a historic win for the Stars and Stripes, and a historic dos a cero loss for the Mexicans.

Spain v Ireland​

In an Unexpectedly tight match, Spain had to endure a ferocious Irish side that caused more trouble than they should've, with the Red Ones taking the lead early on courtesy to Fernando Morientes. But from then on, the Boys in green began to fight like lions. Some phenomenal defending from both sides kept the score at 1-0, but a Morientes knocker at the 40th minute seemingly put the match to rest. But, Roy Keane gave Ireland hope as he converted a chance in the 62nd minute, and from then on the Irish began to attack like mad. Then in the 90th minute, Robbie Keane makes it a 2-2 with another penalty! Extra time came in, and it soon led to penalties. The Irish nation held its breath as the Boys in Green held a shootout with the Spanish, but Shay Given held his nerve just enough to help Ireland take the win!

Korea v Italy​

From two of the most entertaining matches of the tournament, we switch to one the most controversial, as the Tigers From Asia met with one of the favorites in Italy. Before the match, the Korean fans over at the Daejeon stadium made a great choreography that spelled "Again 1966", referencing the famous match where the Plucky underdogs from Korea defeated Italy. This time though, the Italians hoped it would be different. Right at the 19th minute, Bobo Vieri made it 1-0 for Italy, but the Koreans kept on fighting. The second half saw some terrible fouls by both sides as the increasingly frustrated Italians had to endure the Increasingly desperate Koreans. Football became Kung fu as Choi Jin-Cheul fouled Gianluca Zambrotta, leading to both being sent off due to injury and a red card each. Coming into extra time, both teams tried not to concede, with the Koreans having increasingly more trouble defending due to being reduced to 10 men. Finally, Damiano Tommasi scored the Winning Golden goal. A well deserved win after a tough fight, but The Azzurri are now going to the quarters.

Denmark v Sweden​

In what was perhaps the most uneventful match of the tournament, the Nordic duel between Sweden and Denmark saw the Blagult open the scoring at the 11th minute, before closing off the match against the Danes. The Danish Dynamite did all they could to equalize, but the Swedes essentially threw water on the lit up fuse that were the Danes, and the Swedish National Team was now placed in the quarter-finals once more after their absence in 1998.

Brazil v Scotland​

The Party that the Tartan Army had brought into Korea thanks to Scotland's performances was surely one of the factors to this being such a memorable tournament thus far. But unfortunately, the party was over when Rivaldo and later Ronaldo Nazario scored two solid goals to help Brazil go through. Nonetheless, the Scots could certainly be happy with their performances the past two years.

Argentina v Senegal​

Despite Gabriel Batistuta's genius that brought the Albiceleste 1-0 over the African underdogs, Senegal shocked the Argentines when Henri Camara equalized in the 37th minute. From then on, it was a free-for-all, as the Argentines desperately tried to take the lead, but Camara made himself into a hero of Africa as he scored a golden goal during extra time.

Japan v Czechoslovakia​

In another uneventful match, Czechoslovakia met Japan in what was the Asian nations' first foray into the knockout stages of the World Cup. Indeed, it was hard to imagine the likable Japanese beating the Velvets, but at least they put up a good fight even after Vladimir Šmicer put the match to rest. Now, Czechoslovakia was embarking into Uncharted territory, where they would face off against the sensation of the tournament in Senegal.

 

[Neoteros]

Moreno, a competent referee? Truly ASB.

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

Moreno, a competent referee? Truly ASB.

Yes, I made bad mistakes in some of the graphics... At least Italy goes through here.

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

2002 World Cup
"A golden goal for all of Africa"

England v Paraguay​

The Three Lions dominated the plucky underdogs from the very first minute, as Rio Ferdinand scored in the 4th minute. The rest of the match wasn't any different, as England's players performed a fine show by scoring two more goals, Before Celso Ayala made things worse for the Paraguayans by being at the wrong place at the defense, thus leading to an own goal. Out of frustration, Roberto Acuna then punched Owen at the last minute of the match.

Mexico v United States​

In one of the most entertaining matches of the World Cup, United States for the first time met with their arch rivals Mexico. Two countries with completely different Football philosophies up against one another, all while being regional rivals. The game was on, and to the shock of everyone betting for El Tri, Landon Donovan and Brian McBride dismantled the Mexicans with a fantastic US win. It is a historic win for the Stars and Stripes, and a historic dos a cero loss for the Mexicans.

Spain v Ireland​

In an Unexpectedly tight match, Spain had to endure a ferocious Irish side that caused more trouble than they should've, with the Red Ones taking the lead early on courtesy to Fernando Morientes. But from then on, the Boys in green began to fight like lions. Some phenomenal defending from both sides kept the score at 1-0, but a Morientes knocker at the 40th minute seemingly put the match to rest. But, Roy Keane gave Ireland hope as he converted a chance in the 62nd minute, and from then on the Irish began to attack like mad. Then in the 90th minute, Robbie Keane makes it a 2-2 with another penalty! Extra time came in, and it soon led to penalties. The Irish nation held its breath as the Boys in Green held a shootout with the Spanish, but Shay Given held his nerve just enough to help Ireland take the win!

Korea v Italy​

From two of the most entertaining matches of the tournament, we switch to one the most controversial, as the Tigers From Asia met with one of the favorites in Italy. Before the match, the Korean fans over at the Daejeon stadium made a great choreography that spelled "Again 1966", referencing the famous match where the Plucky underdogs from Korea defeated Italy. This time though, the Italians hoped it would be different. Right at the 19th minute, Bobo Vieri made it 1-0 for Italy, but the Koreans kept on fighting. The second half saw some terrible fouls by both sides as the increasingly frustrated Italians had to endure the Increasingly desperate Koreans. Football became Kung fu as Choi Jin-Cheul fouled Gianluca Zambrotta, leading to both being sent off due to injury and a red card each. Coming into extra time, both teams tried not to concede, with the Koreans having increasingly more trouble defending due to being reduced to 10 men. Finally, Damiano Tommasi scored the Winning Golden goal. A well deserved win after a tough fight, but The Azzurri are now going to the quarters.

Denmark v Sweden​

In what was perhaps the most uneventful match of the tournament, the Nordic duel between Sweden and Denmark saw the Blagult open the scoring at the 11th minute, before closing off the match against the Danes. The Danish Dynamite did all they could to equalize, but the Swedes essentially threw water on the lit up fuse that were the Danes, and the Swedish National Team was now placed in the quarter-finals once more after their absence in 1998.

Brazil v Scotland​

The Party that the Tartan Army had brought into Korea thanks to Scotland's performances was surely one of the factors to this being such a memorable tournament thus far. But unfortunately, the party was over when Rivaldo and later Ronaldo Nazario scored two solid goals to help Brazil go through. Nonetheless, the Scots could certainly be happy with their performances the past two years.

Argentina v Senegal​

Despite Gabriel Batistuta's genius that brought the Albiceleste 1-0 over the African underdogs, Senegal shocked the Argentines when Henri Camara equalized in the 37th minute. From then on, it was a free-for-all, as the Argentines desperately tried to take the lead, but Camara made himself into a hero of Africa as he scored a golden goal during extra time.

Japan v Czechoslovakia​

In another uneventful match, Czechoslovakia met Japan in what was the Asian nations' first foray into the knockout stages of the World Cup. Indeed, it was hard to imagine the likable Japanese beating the Velvets, but at least they put up a good fight even after Vladimir Šmicer put the match to rest. Now, Czechoslovakia was embarking into Uncharted territory, where they would face off against the sensation of the tournament in Senegal.

View attachment 851105
View attachment 851106​

I completely forgot to add the upcoming matches, so here they are for all of you curious ones:

England V United States
Italy V Ireland
Brazil V Sweden
Czechoslovakia V Senegal

 

[NTF aka Seb]

England 1-0 United States
Italy 1-0 Ireland
Brazil 2-1 Sweden
Czechoslovakia (a.s.d.e.t.) 1-0 Senegal

 

[Neoteros]

England 2 - 1 United States
Italy 1 - 0 Ireland
Brazil 3 - 0 Sweden
Czechoslovakia 2 - 3 Senegal

 

[MatthewFirth]

England V United States
Italy V Ireland
Brazil V Sweden
Czechoslovakia V Senegal

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

2002 World Cup
"Four Lions"

England V United States
​

In a highly anticipated match that would see United States face off against England, tension was high as many feared that the fans of the respective teams. Indeed, no-one thought that the Stars and Stripes would get this far, but the sole fact that they managed to beat Portugal and later Mexico proved that the USA was improving at Soccer. The match itself was a highly physical one, as The Yanks fought like mad against the English. For most of the match, it was a 1-1 draw after Donovan converted a highly controversial penalty, but David Beckham became the hero of England when, at the 87th minute, he scored a phenomenal free kick that saw the ball flying past Brad Friedel. After 12 years of hurt, England was finally through to the Semi-finals, in the most spectacular way possible.

Ireland v Italy
​

Italy made quick work of their Irish opponents, when Vieri and Totti scored two fine goals against the Boys in Green. Ireland tried, and they tried hard, but the typical Italian defense made them impossible to play against, and in the end Roy Keane was the only man to have made a coherent chance for Ireland. For the fourth consecutive time, Italy was now in the semis.

Brazil v Sweden
​

In a rematch of the 1994 World Cup Semi-finals, Brazil met up with their friends from Sweden. And just like it was the case 8 years before, Brazil dominated the Blagult to win their fourth match of the tournament, while Sweden's players could at least hold their heads up knowing they did a good job getting this far in the tournament.

Senegal v Czechoslovakia
​

The African fairy tale that had started all the way back in the Group Stage against France continued on, as Senegal stunned the Czechoslovaks after taking the win in extra time. Both sides had plenty of chances, especially Czechoslovakia, but the Velvets just couldn't find a way towards the net, and the Senegalese lions capitalised on that to become the first African nation to enter the Semi-finals of the World Cup, thus beating the precedent that the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon had set up in Italia 90. If England were the Three Lions, then the Senegalese are certainly the fourth Lion.

​

Changes in the timeline:
1. Having won against Denmark, Sweden gets to play against Brazil, while England's switching of places with Germany means they get to play with the USA
2. The controversial penalty that wasn't ruled for the USMNT is ruled here, which eventually leads to David Beckham scoring a free kick that is essentially the one he scored against Greece in 2002, if anything I just wanted to include it in some way since it's one of his best moments
3. Senegal manages to amaze everyone by narrowly beating Czechoslovakia in the quarters, thus beating out Morocco on becoming the first African nation to enter the semis

Upcoming Matches:
England v Italy
Brazil v Senegal

 

[Changundramon]

This World Cup definitely isn't fun.

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

This World Cup definitely isn't fun.

Is it because of Japan and Korea not doing well?

 

[Changundramon]

Is it because of Japan and Korea not doing well?

Yes. And Germany's cross-focused team also went out early.

 

[Neoteros]

Final will be Italy-Senegal.