1998 FIFA World Cup – France

1998 FIFA World Cup – France

In 1992 France won the bid against Morocco to host the 1998 FIFA World Cup. It was the second time the tournament would be played in France.

For the first time in the competition, the group stage would have 32 teams instead of 24. They would be divided in 8 groups of 4 teams each and the top 2 of each group would advance to the round of 16.

This was the first World Cup after FIFA’s introduction of the Golden Goal. Under its rule, during extra time, the first team to score wins the game. The only golden goal scored during the 1998 tournament was at the round of sixteen when Laurent Blanc, from France, scored at 114 minutes against Paraguay.

A record of 174 teams entered the tournament qualification. The 32 places would be allocated as follow: 2 for the hosts and defending champions, 14 to UEFA (including Israel), 4 to CONMEBOL, 3 to AFC, 3 to CONCACAF and 5 to CAF. The last place would be contested by the 4th from the AFC vs. the winner of the OFC.

The final was played again by Brazil, that was in its second consecutive final, against the hosts France. Everyone saw an apathetic Brazil with France dominating, creating chances, involving Brazil throughout the game. Zidane was brilliant, scored twice and, with another goal from Petit, France won 3-0 and became champions for the first time.

List of qualified teams: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Tunisia, United States, FR Yugoslavia.

Champions: France
2nd place: Brazil
3rd place: Croatia

Top scorer player: Davor Šuker, Croatia – 6 goals
Top scorer team: France – 15 goals

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