World Cup 2002 - the build up

There's what was predicted. Then there's what really happened. Group A For the world champions France, this was meant to be a stroll in the park. Their only possible competition was Denmark. What was that? France knocked out? Not scoring a single goal? Yeah, right...oh, you're not joking! Exactly, imagine how the French feel. Instead, Denmark topped the group, and outsiders Senegal came second. Perhaps the biggest surprise. Group B Spain were obvious favourties to qualify, with Paraguay and Slovenia not far behind. Spain DID qualify, but stunned the other teams, by beating them all! Paraguay also ...

When I first found out that the world cup was to be held in Japan and South Korea I though that FIFA had made a mistake. Watching the first match I was convinced they had made a mistake. My first doubt was the accessability to the matches. Both countries are a considerable distance from Europe, Africa and the Americas, and are subsequently expensive to travel to. Secondly, there is the culture of the countries. Japan has a culture of politeness and reserved behaviour around public places, and certainly not one of shouting and screaming. Although these may not be the most desirable qualities, the best atmosphere is a noisy one. Thirdly (and finally) was the ...

Whatever the reason for Roy Keane's Taz-style behaviour over the past few days (and, let's be honest, the great man has actually been acting strangely for some months now), there can be no question that he has put himself into a very tricky position with relation to his three or so million fellow countrymen and women.   Ireland is very passionate about its football. And about its status as a go-ahead, thrusting nation. And these two things, perhaps worryingly for Roy Keane, are linked. The relative success of the team over the past couple of decades is seen by some as a reflection of the nation's emergence from beneath the yoke of cultural ...