1998 World Cup France

The 1998 World Cup increased the number of teams in the finals to 32 (64 matches played) split initially into eight groups of four teams.

The surprise team of the tournament was Croatia who not only got through to the semi-finals and won the third place play-off but also produced the Golden Boot winner in Davor Suker.

In the first round the highly rated Spanish team failed to qualify for the second round despite heavily defeating Bulgaria 6-1.  Hosts France cruised thriough with maximum points.

The second round was best remembered for the Argentina victory over England in match that had the goal of the tournament from Michael Owen and the sending off of David Beckham.

The final was held in Stade de France in front of a crowd of 75,000 and was contested by four time winners Brazil and hosts France.  France took a first half lead through their inspiration captain Zinedine Zidane who doubled the lead early in the second half.  Despite being reduced to ten men following the sending off of Marcel Desailly in the 68th minute France extended their lead to win the match 3-0.

Top Scorers

6 Goals -  Davor Suker (Croatia)

5 Goals - Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina)
             - Christian Vieri (Italy)

 

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