Henri Camara Golden Goal Senegal vs Sweden 2002

What was the final score of the Senegal versus Sweden match during the 2002 FIFA World Cup?

The match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Senegal after the golden goal ended proceedings in extra time. This result reflected the high-stakes nature of the knockout phase, where a single defensive lapse meant immediate elimination.

Use these statistics to compare the efficiency of Senegal's counter-attacking style against Sweden's slightly higher ball retention during the match.

At what stage of the tournament did Senegal and Sweden face each other in 2002?

The encounter took place in the Round of 16, representing the first knockout stage of the 2002 tournament. Senegal had advanced as the runners-up of Group A, while Sweden secured their spot by topping Group F, often referred to as the "Group of Death" due to the presence of Argentina, England, and Nigeria. This stage is where tournament favorites often falter, as the pressure of single-elimination matches intensifies significantly compared to the group phase.

For example, Sweden’s progression from a group containing two former world champions demonstrated their quality, yet they could not overcome the tactical discipline of the Senegalese side. An important nuance is that while Sweden entered the match as the higher-ranked team according to FIFA, the knockout format leveled the playing field, allowing Senegal to exploit Sweden's defensive vulnerabilities during the transition phase of the game.

How did the golden goal rule impact the outcome of the 2002 FIFA World Cup knockout matches?

The golden goal rule forced teams to adopt an ultra-cautious approach during extra time, as a single error resulted in an immediate tournament exit.

• 1998 World Cup: This tournament saw the first-ever golden goal in history when Laurent Blanc scored for France against Paraguay.
• 2002 World Cup: South Korea utilized the rule to eliminate Italy in the Round of 16, sparking intense controversy regarding officiating.
• 2004 European Championship: UEFA officially abandoned the golden goal rule, reverting to the silver goal and eventually standard extra time.
• Psychological pressure: Players frequently reported heightened anxiety during extra time, knowing the game could end on any single play.

What was the significance of Senegal reaching the quarterfinals in their debut World Cup appearance?

Yes, Senegal's quarterfinal run matched the best performance by an African nation in World Cup history at that time. By reaching the final eight, they joined Cameroon as the only teams from the continent to achieve this feat, cementing their status as a major emerging force in international football.

Who served as the head coach for the Senegal national team during the 2002 tournament?

Bruno Metsu served as the head coach of the Senegal national team throughout their historic 2002 campaign. Known for his unorthodox management style and ability to foster a tight-knit team spirit, Metsu allowed his players significant freedom on the pitch, which was instrumental in their rapid, fluid counter-attacking style. He famously integrated players from both the domestic Senegalese league and the French professional system, creating a cohesive unit that defied pre-tournament expectations.

One concrete example of his influence was the team's victory over France in the opening match, where his tactical setup neutralized the defending champions' midfield. An exception to his typically flexible approach occurred during the latter stages of the Sweden match, where he mandated a more rigid defensive structure to protect the lead. Despite the immense pressure of the tournament, Metsu remained a calming influence, ensuring the squad stayed focused on their defensive transitions rather than the external media scrutiny.

In which Japanese stadium was the match between Senegal and Sweden held?

The match between Senegal and Sweden was held at the Oita Stadium in Oita, Japan.

• Oita Stadium: This venue, also known as the Big Eye, featured a retractable roof and a capacity of approximately 43,000 spectators for the tournament.
• Construction: The stadium was designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa and completed in 2001 specifically to host matches for the 2002 World Cup.
• Location: Situated on the island of Kyushu, the facility served as a key regional hub during the competition, hosting three group matches before the Round of 16.
• Surface: The pitch was noted for its high-quality grass, which held up well despite the humid conditions experienced during the summer tournament dates.

How did the Swedish national team perform in the group stages leading up to their match against Senegal?

Sweden performed impressively in the group stages, finishing at the top of Group F with 5 points. They remained undefeated, securing a win against Nigeria and drawing both their matches against England and Argentina to advance to the knockout rounds.