Group of Death delivers its judgment

June 12, 2002

The 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™ has proven to be a festival of stunning shocks and sheer surprises, some uplifting and others demoralising. And Day 13 was no exception – a decidedly unlucky number for fancied Argentina. For the second consecutive day, a pre-tournament favourite was sent packing after only three matches. As with Denmark the day before, Sweden - a side devoid of any out-and-out shining stars – battled as a seamless unit to send the sultry South Americans on their tearful way.

While Argentina pounded away in the first half with Javier Zanetti and Juan Pablo Sorin leading an unlikely charge, a goal was not to be as the Scandinavians stormed through and grabbed the opener in the 59th minute by way of a pinpoint Svensson free kick. Argentina managed to equalize late, but to no avail. Sweden - considered by many the weakest side in the much-touted Group of Death - ran through to top the deadly group with five points from three matches.

For Argentina, Korea/Japan proved a lesson in humility, as the South Americans, like holders France before them, were made to be content with only tears for souvenirs.

A workmanlike England too found their way out of the wilderness of Group F, after a slim 0-0 draw with a lifeless, and eliminated, Nigeria. Despite the bevy of star names in the England squad, it was a solid defensive outing that ruled the day and saw Sven’s men on their merry way.

And in sharp counterpoint to the ferocious “Group of Death” the relatively simple Group B ended with a certain degree of drama, excitement, and goals.

A new-look Spain threw aside the script winning three matches, scoring nine goals, and claiming the group. The typically luckless Iberians put paid to all comers, culminating in a 3-2 win over South Africa after winning their first opener in over a half century against debutantes Slovenia.

And in a cruel twist, South Africa on the verge of qualifying with a 3-2 loss, fell victim to some last minute Paraguayan heroics in the last match. Young substitute and Budweiser Man of the Match Nelson Cuevas nailed two in a last gasp 3-1 win to send the striped South Americans through.

But it wasn’t an easy result as portly, loud mouth portero Jose Luis Chilavert got the goal he’d been boasting about all tournament – unfortunately he popped the ball into his own net on a simple shot from a tough angle. Though he later made some amends by slamming a free kick against the crossbar.

And with two of the three out-and-out, pre-tournament favourites on their way home to Paris and Buenos Aires, how well will the Azzurri sleep in Sendai tonight?

FIFAworldcup.com