After a 72-year wait, the FIFA World Cup finally arrived on Asian soil in 2002, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. The tournament was defined by massive upsets, starting with defending champions France losing the opener, and both France and Argentina crashing out in the group stages. Meanwhile, Japan topped their group, and so did South Korea but the latter stunned the world to become the first Asian nation to reach the semifinals. Ultimately, it was Ronaldo’s magic that propelled Brazil to a record fifth title.

*

*Visit The Daily Star website to also read: ‘Historical scars and 1966’s ghost goal’