The games I saw at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea
The 2002 World Cup was split between South Korea and Japan. My buddy Steve had bought tickets to watch the USA, hoping they'd get placed in Japan - which is where he wanted to go. When the U.S. was placed in Korea, Steve sold me his tickets.
United States 1, South Korea 1; June 10, 2002: Daegu World Cup Stadium in Daegu.
Denmark 2, France 0; June 11, 2002: Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon.
Spain 3, South Africa 2; June 12, 2002: Deajeon World Cup Stadium in Deajeon.
Brazil 5, Costa Rica 2; June 13, 2002: Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon.
United States 1, Poland 3; June 14, 2002: Deajeon World Cup Stadium in Deajeon.
Round of 16: Spain 1, Ireland 1; Spain won 3-2 on penalty kicks; June 16, 2002: Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon.
Round of 16: United States 2, Mexico 0; June 17, 2002: Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju.
Quarterfinal: United States 0, Germany 1; June 21, 2002: Munsu World Cup Stadium in Ulsan.
Semifinal: Germany 1, South Korea 0; June 25, 2002: Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul.
I missed the first game, when the U.S. upset Portugal, as I couldn't get out there in time. But I made it in time for the USMNT's second game against the hosts, then watched the U.S. all the way to the Quarterfinals.
While I missed the historic upset win over Portugal, the games against South Korea was awesome. A full stadium clad in red cheering on their home team, and we pulled out a tie. The next game was even better - taking out Mexico on what would become a familiar 2-0 (Dos a cero) scoreline in the Round of 16. And then of course, the Quarterfinal against Germany. I was behind the goal when it appeared that a German player had ‘saved’ a shot off the line. But without TV / replays, we could only speculate based on the reaction of the USA players. Of course later we saw it was a clear hand ball.
I also jumped around, scalping tickets to watch a bunch of other countries, including the semifinal between Germany and South Korea.
In all, I went to nine games, made it to seven of the stadiums, and watched 12 teams play. I then flew to Japan to try to watch the final, but passed on the lowest priced I could find - $500 - which months later I used to buy a ticket of the Ohio State - Miami National Championship Game.
