SOCCER - WORLD CUP - 1998
FRANCE
1998
Group G - England (2) v (0) Tunisia - England opened their World Cup with a comfortable win in Marseille. After a nervy start, England took control with a goal just before half-time from Alan Shearer. Both teams had their chances in the 2nd half, but England had to wait until the 89th minute for the clinching 2nd goal, with Paul Scholes curling in a shot from the edge of the penalty area. England also gave a World Cup debut to 18 year old Michael Owen in the 2nd half (8, 2018 Re-Broadcast, 2 Discs, BBC - Davies/Brooking, PAL)
Group G - England (2) v (0) Colombia - 1st half goals from Darren Anderton and David Beckham (his 1st goal for England) did the damage and secured England a place in the next round (8, 2 Discs, BBC - Moore/Keegan, PAL)
Last 16 - Argentina (2) v (2) England - The old enemies met again in a World Cup knockout game. A breathless 1st half finished 2-2 thanks to a spectacular solo goal from Michael Owen but the game was shaped by the sending off of David Beckham. The game went to penalties with each team trading goals but then David Batty missed his kick and Argentina were through to the next round (8, 3 Discs, ITV - Moore/Keegan, PAL)
Quarter Final - Holland (2) v (1) Argentina - Holland were looking to avenge the 1978 final and started brightly with an early goal from Patrick Kluivert. But Argentina responded immediately with a goal from Claudio Lopez. The game ebbed and flowed until Dennis Bergkamp scored a fantastic winner in the final minute to send the Orange to the Semi-Finals (8, ABC broadcast with American commentators, 1 Disc, ABC - Twibell/Hill, PAL)
Final - France (3) v (0) Brazil - Goals from Zinedine Zidane (2) and Emanuel Petit secured France's 1st ever World Cup trophy. The event was overshadowed by the pre-game status of Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who suffered a fit but was deemed OK to play. His lack-luster display cleared proved otherwise (8, 1 Disc, BBC - Motson/Brooking, PAL)