If World War II Never Happened: A FIFA World Cup Timeline

[KingSweden24]

No.

Oooooh interesting.

I’m guessing things… didn’t go well for the Empire of Japan in their various post-1937 exploits here, then. Lol.

 

[Looper]

Group A: Korea, US
Group B: Spain, Paraguay
Group C: Brazil, Turkey
Group D: Senegal, France
Group E: Republic of Ireland, Cameroon
Group F: Argentina, Sweden
Group G: England, Mexico
Group H: USSR, Japan

 

[NTF aka Seb]

I’m guessing things… didn’t go well for the Empire of Japan in their various post-1937 exploits here, then. Lol.

It's more because Korea is bigger and richer ITTL.

Hell, OTL's North Korea alone has 11 stadiums with over 30,000 capacity (though their quality is a story for another day).

But I definitely think TTL's Korea would be able and prefer to host a 32-team World Cup by itself.

 

[KingSweden24]

It's more because Korea is bigger and richer ITTL.

Hell, OTL's North Korea alone has 11 stadiums with over 30,000 capacity (though their quality is a story for another day).

But I definitely think TTL's Korea would be able and prefer to host a 32-team World Cup by itself.

Oh, I just meant how Korea managed to beat Japan to the punch on hosting (though Korea has always been way better at football than Japan, so in that sense culturally it makes sense!)

 

[NTF aka Seb]

Part 77 - All Across the Land
2002 FIFA World Cup - Group Stage​

After their abysmal 1998 showing, Korea [1] was highly pressured to perform well on home soil. The team delivered with sweeping performances, brushing aside Australia 3-0 - in their long overdue return, before edging out the United States 2-1 and Portugal 1-0. All across the land, Korean fans eagerly awaited the knockout stage [2]. The United States tragically fumbled a three-goal lead to draw with Portugal on the first matchday. But the worst was yet to come. Despite having just been obliterated 4-0 by Portugal, Australia stunned the fancied Americans with a 3-2 win [3], but it was Portugal who reached the last 16.

Group A of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. ​

Spain were determined to not suffer a third (!) consecutive group stage exit at the World Cup, and it showed in their gameplay. Following La Roja's 2-1 triumph over Romania, the Spaniards brushed aside Paraguay 3-1 before featuring in a blistering 3-2 victory over South Africa. Romania had only barely qualified on the fumes of their 'golden generation', and when the tournament came around, the smoke had completely vanished. South Africa edged them out 1-0, Paraguay 2-1. The opening 2-2 draw between Paraguay and South Africa ultimately saw the latter advance to the knockout stage for the first time in history, on goal difference.

Group B of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. ​

Brazil dominated Group C as expected, edging out Turkey 2-1 in a surprisingly narrow encounter before hammering China 4-1 and Costa Rica 5-2. Debutants Turkey went on to draw 1-1 with Costa Rica. This was followed by a historic first World Cup win - 3-0 versus China, who suffered a close 2-1 loss to Costa Rica on matchday one. Turkey's superior defense ensured they advanced on goal difference. China failed to improve on their 1990 campaign, scoring one goal in each match but losing all of them.

Group C of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. ​

Group D as in 'death'. European champions and 1998 World Cup runners-up France were determined to find the trophy missing from their cabinet, but were dealt a major blow in the opener when debutants Senegal held them to a 1-1 draw. However, Le Bleus subsequently edged out Colombia 1-0, and order was seemingly restored. Denmark got a solid start by beating Colombia 2-1. Senegal again drew 1-1 in the second round, this time versus Denmark. France were pressured to beat Denmark in the final round, as a Senegalese victory would ensure they advanced over the Euro champions even if France held the Danes to a draw. Senegal did ultimately resist a Colombian comeback to win 3-2, but against the script, Denmark defeated France 2-1. Maybe it was 'D' as in 'Denmark', not 'death'.

Group D of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. ​

In their opener, Italy demolished Saudi Arabia 5-0. This was followed by a 2-2 draw with an Ireland side hailed as a dark horse by many. Some people even considered them genuine title contenders. A close 1-0 triumph over Cameroon cemented Italy's top spot. Having also drawn 1-1 with Cameroon, Ireland crucially defeated Saudi Arabia 3-0 to advance as runners-up. Saudi Arabia's tournament was catastrophic, winless and goalless, but Cameroon's 1-0 win over them was not enough to reach the knockout stage.

Group E of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. ​

Sweden twice came back from behind to beat Iran and Nigeria respectively 2-1. However, against the group's powerhouse Argentina, the Swedes acquired a sensational lead through a marvelous free-kick. Heroic goalkeeping ensured Argentina's 88th-minute goal merely was an equalizer. Still, the goal difference Argentina gained in their 1-0 and 2-0 wins over Nigeria and Iran ensured the Argentines topped Group F ahead of Sweden. Nigeria's 1-0 victory against Iran was not enough for advancement.

Group F of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. ​

England edged out debutants Ecuador in their opener, but in the second round, The Three Lions had two (!) goals wrongfully disallowed [4], meaning they only drew 1-1 with Croatia, who previously lost 1-0 to Mexico. The Mexicans went on to win 2-1 over Ecuador, who scored their maiden World Cup goal in the encounter, before holding England to a mutually beneficial 1-1 draw, though The Three Lions were kicking themselves, or rather the referee, for not topping the group. Ecuador enjoyed a historic 1-0 triumph over Croatia in the final match, but it was not enough to advance. Croatia's performance was unworthy a World Cup bronze medalist.

Group G of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. ​

The title-holding Soviets won Group H as anticipated, easing past Tunisia 3-0 before, somewhat unexpectedly, merely drawing 1-1 with Japan. However, the Soviets won 3-2 against Slovenia to finish in first. Japan drew 2-2 with the debuting Slovenians in round one. Slovenia couldn't break down Tunisia either as they drew 1-1. On the other hand, Japan did just that when it mattered most, defeating Tunisia 2-0 to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in history. Slovenia's World Cup debut was grealy disappointing, given they qualified from such a tough group.

Group H of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. ​

I'd love to hear your round of 16 predictions:

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Credit to @Mildtryth for getting the most predictions right.

Loads of upsets and there's more to come in the knockout stage! Stay tuned.

[1] Side note: I've decided it makes sense to remove Korea's dubious, arguably corrupt refereeing ITTL. Though there's no hard evidence of corruption IOTL, the refereeing in South Korea's semi-final run was absolutely disgraceful, especially the matches against Italy and Spain. I highly recommend you watch highlight of those matches, but prepare to become furious. There's also a great Planet Football article written by Phil Iwaniuk. Oh, and it doesn't help that one of those referees was later convicted for smuggling heroin. However, ITTL, Korea are much stronger and would be confident enough not to resort to such dubious tactics.

[2] Another side note: For logistical reasons, OTL's knockout pairing method was different due to Japan co-hosting the tournament. The pairing method will be "normal" ITTL since Korea is the lone host.

[3] The United States are done a bit dirty ITTL since Portugal (due to also playing at the 1998 World Cup here) and Korea are stronger.

[4] I said I'd remove corrupt refereeing, not incompetent refereeing.

 

[KingSweden24]

That’s a great mix of stadia blended well between the OTL North and South, and i like that so many Northern stadia are included since that’d be the industrial heartland of a Korea that was never partitioned. I count a total of 16 stadia used for the whole tournament, that’s pretty sweet compared to the usual 10-12.

Out of curiosity, why did Daegu get the final rather than Seoul? Geographic considerations?

Anyways! I love some of the matchups in this R16 and beyond.

Korea over SA
Brazil over Senegal
Italy over Sweden
Japan over Mexico (Upset!)
Portugal over Spain (Head vs Heart pick)
Denmark over Turkey
Ireland over Argentina (Upset!)
England over USSR (Upset!/Winners Curse)

 

[Mildtryth]

Out of curiosity, why did Daegu get the final rather than Seoul? Geographic considerations?

Presumably because it's slightly bigger than the Seoul stadium (only 5,000 seats more)

Anyway:

Korea x South Africa
Brazil x Senegal
Italy x Sweden
Mexico x Japan
Spain x Portugal
Denmark x Turkey
Argentina x Ireland
Soviet Union x England

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

As predicted, Croatia are still a shambles in 2002. It is nice to see the Socceroos doing well, even if it is just one victory!

Korea x South Africa
Brazil x Senegal
Italy x Sweden
Mexico x Japan
Spain x Portugal
Denmark x Turkey
Argentina x Ireland
Soviet Union x England

I feel like England's golden generation will pull off a winner against the reds, most likely thanks to Beckham and such. If Italy and Brazil win, then that Semi-final is going to be extra spicy! Forza Azzurri

 

[NTF aka Seb]

That’s a great mix of stadia blended well between the OTL North and South, and i like that so many Northern stadia are included since that’d be the industrial heartland of a Korea that was never partitioned. I count a total of 16 stadia used for the whole tournament, that’s pretty sweet compared to the usual 10-12.

Out of curiosity, why did Daegu get the final rather than Seoul? Geographic considerations?

Thanks! There are actually four additional venues used in the group stage that weren't used in the knockout stage, so 20 in total.

And as Mildtryth said, Daegu was selected because of its higher capacity in 2002.

In OTL's North Korea there's actually a 114,000 capacity stadium, but that was just a megalomaniac ego project for the dictator so it's highly unlikely TTL's Korea would've built it.

 

[carlosperezesp]

It's time for a Brazil vs Spain final

 

[KingSweden24]

Thanks! There are actually four additional venues used in the group stage that weren't used in the knockout stage, so 20 in total.

And as Mildtryth said, Daegu was selected because of its higher capacity in 2002.

In OTL's North Korea there's actually a 114,000 capacity stadium, but that was just a megalomaniac ego project for the dictator so it's highly unlikely TTL's Korea would've built it.

Interesting! If I may ask, what were the other 4 venues?

Haha yeah, that monster in Pyongyang def doesn’t get built sans KJU’s unique brand of nonsense

 

[NTF aka Seb]

Interesting! If I may ask, what were the other 4 venues?

Nampo, Songjin (named Kimchaek IOTL), Wonsan and a second Pyongyang venue.

 

[KingSweden24]

Nampo, Songjin (named Kimchaek IOTL), Wonsan and a second Pyongyang venue.

Love it! Thank you!

 

[NTF aka Seb]

Part 78 - Bright and Early
2002 FIFA World Cup - Round of 16​

The hosts Korea got a dream start when they took the lead against South Africa in the very first minute. It was not made to last, though, as the Africans equalized around the half-hour mark. Still, the second half saw Korea further cement their status as the stronger team, which accordingly saw them be rewarded with a winning goal in the 88th minute.

The Iberian derby between Spain and Portugal was perhaps the most anticipated last 16 tie. Spain found an early breakthrough in the eighth minute. What followed was a hard-fought game with fierce challenges, plenty of opportunities, one of which found the back of the net in the 90th minute. Portugal's Rui Costa became hero when he equalized to take the game to extra time. However, the game's true saviour was Iker Casillas. His saves were crucial for Spain in the shootout.

Shortly into the match, Sweden surprisingly went in front versus Italy, who nevertheless equalized 25 minutes later. The second half, though entertaining, failed to produce additional goals. Sweden were painfully close to finding a golden goal, but Anders Svensson's stunning roulette and subsequent strike hit the wrong side of the crossbar. Instead, Italy found a golden goal of their own in the 104th minute.

The Argentina-Ireland match was eerily similar to the Iberian debry of yesterday. Argentina scored early on, and, following an intense game, Ireland equalized in the dying minutes. Again, extra time slowed the game down, and, just like in 1990, a golden Irish team lost on penalties.

For the first time in history, not just one, but two African teams reached the knockout stage. Senegal were hoping to exceed South Africa's display, which they inititally did by obtaining a sensational lead in the 37th minute. They defended it throughout the remainder of the first half and hour. However, Brazil's quality was inevitable and saw them equalize in the 67th minute before going in front exactly 20 minutes later. A heartbreaking exit for the debutants, who could be proud of their campaign.

Following the group stage, Denmark were huge favorites against Turkey. Nevertheless, it was the debutants who opened the scoring after merely 14 minutes. Despite this, Denmark largely remained the stronger team, even though Turkey were respectable too, but the Danes just couldn't find the back of the net, largely due to some goalkeeping heroics by Rüştü Reçber. Turkey reached the quarter-finals as the only remaining debutant! It was a devastating exit for Denmark, who had been hailed as a real outside title contender by some after topping the group of death.

Cheered on by greater numbers from the stands, Japan took the lead versus Mexico in the eighth minute, only for the Mexicans to level the scoring after less than four minutes passed. However, Japan restored their lead after an hour played to continue their historic World Cup run.

Millions of England fans set their alarms for 6:30 AM to catch their crucial match against the title-holding Soviets. Just like in every other match of the round, an early goal was scored. This one by England, who twice extended their lead to lead 3-0 during half-time. The Soviets were rejuvenated in the second half, scoring twice, but England resisted the comeback. It was the worst performance of a reigning World champion since Italy lost 3-2 to Korea in 1986. The same scoreline as England won with now, fittingly.

Tell me how you think the rest of the knockout stage plays out:

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Credit to @ArupinumMaivista for getting the most round of 16 predictions right, 7/8.

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of the knockout stage!

 

[Mildtryth]

Korea x Brazil
Italy x Japan
Spain x Turkey
Argentina x England

 

[ArupinumMaivista]

Impressive stuff from Japan, but that's as far as it's gonna go by the looks of it.

Korea x Brazil
Italy x Japan
Spain x Turkey
Argentina x England

England's gonna look like 28 days after during That Argentina match. I feel like the final will probably be Brazil X England, but you never know!

 

[KingSweden24]

Great stuff! Sad to see such good Sweden, Ireland and Senegal sides go out but happy Spain hung on unlike OTL!

I’ll say:

Brazil over Korea (sadly)

Italy over Japan

Spain over Turkey (chance for a team to make their first ever semi)

England over Argentina (revenge for OTL’s Hand of God, and I think Beckham/Owen/Neville are a stronger group than Crespo/Batistuta)

 

[jycee]

Korea x Brazil
Italy x Japan
Spain x Turkey
Argentina x England

Man, Mexico can make it to the fifth game even in TTL… the 1998-2002 swuad was probably its best, if yhey didnt make it to the quarters vs 2002 Japan (which was not yet as great as it is now) there is no hope for them then.

Brazil won in OTL, but even without referee shenanigans the host can always surprise.

 

[carlosperezesp]

Brazil, Italy, Spain, England.
Brazil, Spain.
Brazil

 

[NTF aka Seb]

Part 79 - Hand In Hand We Play
2002 FIFA World Cup - Knockout Stage​

Korea were back in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1986, but this time with the support - and pressure - from their home fans. Those fans, and the millions watching from home, went wild as Korea took the lead in the 23rd minute. However, Rivaldo brougth them back down to earth when he equalized for Brazil in the dying seconds of the first half. The second half started with a slight advantage for Brazil, but when Ronaldinho got sent off before an hour was played, there was nothing separating the two sides. In fact, the Koreans occassionally looked the better team. Nevertheless, no additional goals were scored, including during extra time. Brazil had traumatic memories of penalty shootouts. It's how they were eliminated four years prior. Also in the quarter-finals. Also against the hosts. Tragically for the Brazilians, their demons were not exorcised. The hosts won the shootouts to not just make Korean history, but Asian history, as the first side from the contintent to reach the semi-finals.

After a goalless first half, Spain opened the scoring versus debutants Turkey a few minutes into the second half, despite a good performance by the Turks. Nevertheless, Spain's goal was left unanswered and they advanced to the semi-finals for the first time in 60 years!

Japan stunned Italy in the ninth minute. Would the first semi-final be an all-Asian affair? The first hald made that seem like the case, as Japan defended their lead. However, Italy equalized in the 51st minute. Eventually, Italy found themselves in another dramatic period of extra-time. It was here Japan ultimately crumbled after a heroic performance, following an Italian golden goal.

The most anticipated quarter-final was saved for last: Argentina against England. After hitting the post, it was England who found the first, and ultimately final goal, through a David Beckham penalty on the stroke of half-time.

In 1986, Korea beat Italy 3-2 to reach the final eight. Twenty years before that, the Koreans brushed them aside 2-0. Korea was somewhat a bogey team for Italy and, indeed, the hosts opened the scoring after just three minutes. However, a correctly awarded penalty enabled the Italians to level the score. Midway through the second half, Italy took the lead for the first time. But in the 88th minute, Seoul and Korea exploded when the hosts made it 2-2. Italy found themselves in a devastating third consecutive period of extra time. Devastating for Korea, that is, as Italy found yet another golden goal to reach their first World Cup final in two decades.

England were hoping to reach their first World Cup final in well over three decades, while Spain were aiming for heights never reached before. England made it 1-0 in the 33rd minutes, suffering a catastrophic - or euphoric if you're Spanish - equalizer late in the second half. To be blunt, the extra time was boring. Iker Casillas' heroics had been instrumental in Spain reaching this stage, but his teammates failed to capitalize on a couple of saves as England ran out victors.

In the bronze match, Spain took the lead almost immediately after kick-off, while Korea equalized just a couple of minutes later. The blistering tempo of the match persisted, and before the 20th minute, Spain had completely turned it around. Despite remaining energetic, the game failed to produce more goals. After far too long a wait, Spain were World Cup medalists.

Two traditional powerhouses determined to end their tournament droughts - that was the setup of the final. Typically, it was a goalless first half due to nerves and the tremendous stakes. However, the match was decided through an unusually great goal by World Cup final standards. A long-distance strike from Vincenzo Montella in the 67th minute. When it mattered most, Italy closed out a game before extra time, resulting in a fourth World Cup title.

Knockout stage of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.​

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Most of you got 3/4 right, but credit to @jycee for correctly predicting Korea's upset!

Stay tuned for the prelude to UEFA Euro 2004!