Monday, May 13, 2002
Monday, May 13, 2002 |
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Football
IT is still fresh in one's memory: the majestic Zinedine Zidane's two powerfully headed goals followed by Emmanuel Petit's fiery left-footer as host France recorded its maiden World Cup triumph with a 3-0 verdict over Brazil in what was its first appearance in the final. Juxtaposed with France's captivating performance though is the mystery of Ronaldo, the prodigious Brazilian striker, and the events concerning him in the hours leading up to the final. Nevertheless, France '98 saw some spectacular goals: Michael Owen's pace and superb eye for an opening; Davor Suker's deadly opportunism and Luis Hernandez's straggling locks and brilliance _ all so very enchanting. Owen's goals against Romania and Argentina were par excellence. Just 18 years of age then, the lean and light Owen's strike against Romania in Group G was dramatic in the sense that he appeared from nowhere after Alan Shearer's cross came off Paul Scholes' foot and rolled. Owen magically materialised and let go a right-footer, bang on target. The solo against Argentina in the second round was even better. He displayed astounding pace, took on Argentine defenders Ayala and Roa, beat them hands down, and struck home. Christian Vieri's goal for Italy against Norway was a beauty. Collecting a long pass deep back, the muscular centre- forward sauntered into the rival half, displaced defender Dan Eggen and with 10 yards from target struck powerfully, low and straight into the far corner. Croats Suker and Roberto Jarni were lethal. Jarni's strike against Germany in the quarterfinals was superb. He collected a pass across the field from Mario Stanic, blazed on and dazed Kopke with a thundering left-footer. Suker's goal in the same contest was also notable. The Golden Boot winner, on a solo, dodged the defence and scored (see picture, celebrating). Lilian Thuram's goal for France against Croatia in the semifinals was efficient, effective and a wonderful display of athleticism. Thuram gained the ball from Zvoni Boban, raced off, exchanged passes with Djorkaeff and slotted. Nigerian Victor Ikpeba's strike against Bulgaria in Group D was amazing. Receiving the ball at the penalty spot from Daniel Amokachi, he was all set to put his foot to it but let it pass by. This took the rival defence unawares, even as Ikpeba pivoted, raced to meet the ball and jabbed under the 'keeper with precision and timing. His teammate Sunday Oliseh's goal against Spain was exquisite. Spain's Hierro, in the penalty area, headed out Nigeria's throw-in from the left and from some 30 yards out Oliseh crashed in a long-ranger to leave Zubizarreta in a haze. Mexican Cuauhtemoc Blanco's goal against Belgium was quite unbelievable. Ramon Ramirez, from the left tip of the penalty area, crossed to the far post where Blanco cut through air, feet first, and knocked it through between the 'keeper and the post. But, by far, the greatest strike in the tournament was in the quarterfinals between Holland and Argentina. The clincher that Dennis Bergkamp scored was truly a classic. The Dutchman controlled a difficult long, diagonal cross from Frank De Boer, beat Ayala on the inside and then shot it past Roa with a right- footer. _ Sanjay Rajan
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