Sort by:
920 products
920 products
In 1990, Cameroon, managed by Valery Nepomnyashchy, stunned the football world at the FIFA World Cup in Italy. The squad, led by captain Roger Milla, also featured Thomas N’Kono, Emmanuel Kunde, François Omam-Biyik, and Cyrille Makanaky, blending experience with youthful energy. Drawn in Group B, Cameroon defeated Argentina 1–0, drew 1–1 with Romania, and beat the Soviet Union 4–0, topping the group. In the knockout stage, they stunned Colombia on penalties in the Round of 16 before losing 2–1 to England in the quarter-finals. Cameroon’s run was historic, making them the first African team to reach a World Cup quarter-final, inspiring generations of African footballers.
In 1994, Nigeria, coached by Clemens Westerhof, made their World Cup debut in the United States, marking a golden era for the Super Eagles. The squad boasted stars like Rashidi Yekini, Jay-Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amuneke, Finidi George, and goalkeeper Peter Rufai. Drawn in Group D with Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece, Nigeria impressed by beating Bulgaria 3–0, losing narrowly 2–1 to Argentina, and defeating Greece 2–0. They topped the group and advanced to the Round of 16, where they led Italy 1–0 before Roberto Baggio’s late heroics sealed a 2–1 extra-time defeat. Despite elimination, Nigeria’s attacking flair won global admiration.
In 2002, Senegal, managed by Bruno Metsu, made a sensational debut at the FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. The squad featured key players such as El Hadji Diouf, Khalilou Fadiga, Aliou Cissé, Salif Diao, and goalkeeper Tony Sylva, blending domestic talent with Europe-based professionals. Senegal stunned the world by defeating defending champions France 1–0 in the opening match. They advanced from a tough group and defeated Sweden in the Round of 16. In the quarter-finals, Senegal narrowly lost 1–0 to Turkey after extra time. The campaign highlighted their tactical organisation, pace, and team spirit, marking a historic World Cup breakthrough for African football.
In 1998, Nigeria, managed by Shuaibu Amodu, competed at the FIFA World Cup in France following a successful 1994 campaign and African Cup of Nations performances. The squad featured stars like Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Sunday Oliseh, and goalkeeper Peter Rufai, blending flair and experience. Nigeria were drawn into a tough Group D with Spain, Bulgaria, and Paraguay. They defeated Spain 3–2, drew 1–1 with Bulgaria, and lost 1–0 to Paraguay, finishing second in the group. In the Round of 16, they were eliminated 4–1 by Denmark. The campaign showcased Nigeria’s attacking talent but exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
In 2002, South Korea, managed by Guus Hiddink, co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Japan, producing a historic campaign. The squad blended experienced players like Hong Myung-bo, Lee Young-pyo, Seol Ki-hyeon, and goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae with younger talent. South Korea topped a tough group with wins over Poland and Portugal and a draw with the USA. In the knockout stages, they defeated Italy and Spain on controversial decisions, reaching the semi-finals — the first Asian team to do so. They eventually lost 1–0 to Germany in the semis and 3–2 to Turkey in the third-place match, cementing their status as a footballing sensation.
In 1998, Morocco, managed by Henri Michel, competed at the FIFA World Cup in France with a squad blending experienced internationals like Mustapha Hadji, Noureddine Naybet, Abdeljalil Hadda, and Aziz Bouderbala. Morocco were drawn into a challenging Group A alongside Brazil, Norway, and Scotland. They lost their opening match 3–0 to Brazil, drew 2–2 with Norway in a spirited display, and were defeated 3–0 by Scotland. Morocco finished fourth in the group, exiting the tournament at the group stage. Despite the results, the campaign highlighted Morocco’s technical skill and determination, and Mustapha Hadji emerged as a standout performer for the team.
In 2001, Japan, managed by Philippe Troussier, prepared for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted with South Korea. The squad featured key players like Hidetoshi Nakata, Shunsuke Nakamura, Junichi Inamoto, and goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, blending experienced internationals with emerging talent. Japan participated in the FIFA Confederations Cup and various friendlies to fine-tune tactics and cohesion. Kawaguchi remained pivotal in goal, providing leadership and stability. The team focused on defensive organisation, counter-attacking play, and exploiting Nakata’s creativity. 2001 was crucial for building confidence, chemistry, and tactical discipline, laying the groundwork for Japan’s successful World Cup campaign in 2002.
In 1998, Japan, managed by Takeshi Okada, made their World Cup debut in France. Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, the starting goalkeeper, played a central role in Japan’s first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage. Despite being under constant pressure against strong opponents like Argentina, Croatia, and Jamaica, Kawaguchi displayed bravery, shot-stopping ability, and composure, often keeping the scorelines respectable. He conceded five goals in three matches but also made several crucial saves, including against Croatia and Argentina. Kawaguchi’s performance, though in a losing campaign, helped establish him as a key figure in Japanese football and set the standard for future generations of goalkeepers.
In 1998, Japan, managed by Takeshi Okada, made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, held in France. The squad, nicknamed the Samurai Blue, combined domestic J.League stars with Europe-based players. Key figures included Hidetoshi Nakata, Masashi Nakayama, Shoji Jo, Masami Ihara, and goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi. Japan were drawn into Group H with Argentina, Croatia, and Jamaica. Though competitive, they lost all three matches: 1–0 to Argentina, 1–0 to Croatia, and 2–1 to Jamaica (with Nakayama scoring Japan’s first-ever World Cup goal). Despite elimination, the campaign marked a turning point, launching Japan as a regular World Cup participant.
In 1998, Mexico, coached by Manuel Lapuente, competed in the FIFA World Cup in France, continuing their streak of World Cup appearances. The squad included stars like Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Luis Hernández, Jorge Campos, Claudio Suárez, and Alberto García Aspe. Mexico advanced from the group stage after drawing with South Korea and Belgium and defeating the Netherlands 3–2, thanks to Hernández’s goals. In the Round of 16, they faced Germany, taking the lead through Hernández before eventually losing 2–1. Despite the exit, Mexico impressed with attacking flair, Hernández finishing as one of the tournament’s top scorers with four goals.
In 1986, Mexico hosted the FIFA World Cup for the second time and enjoyed one of their best-ever tournaments. Managed by Bora Milutinović, El Tri were led by stars like Hugo Sánchez, Tomás Boy, Manuel Negrete, Javier Aguirre, and goalkeeper Pablo Larios. They topped their group after defeating Belgium 2–1, drawing with Paraguay, and beating Iraq 1–0. In the Round of 16, Negrete’s spectacular scissor-kick goal helped Mexico beat Bulgaria 2–0. In the quarter-finals, they faced West Germany, drawing 0–0 before losing 4–1 on penalties. Despite the exit, Mexico’s 1986 run remains historic, their deepest World Cup performance.
In 1995, Mexico, managed by Miguel Mejía Barón, were active in regional and international competitions. The team, built around key figures like Jorge Campos, Claudio Suárez, Alberto García Aspe, and Luis García, continued to assert dominance in CONCACAF. They participated in the Copa América in Uruguay, reaching the quarter-finals after advancing from a group with Argentina, the USA, and Bolivia. Mexico lost 2–1 to the USA in the knockout stage. Later in the year, under Bora Milutinović’s return as coach, Mexico began laying foundations for the 1998 World Cup, integrating younger talents such as Cuauhtémoc Blanco into the squad.
In 1994, Mexico, managed by Miguel Mejía Barón, competed at the FIFA World Cup in the USA, continuing their reputation as resilient tournament performers. The squad blended experience and flair with stars like Jorge Campos, Claudio Suárez, Marcelino Bernal, Alberto García Aspe, and Hugo Sánchez. Drawn in a competitive group with Italy, Norway, and Ireland, Mexico finished top after a win over Ireland, a draw with Italy, and a narrow loss to Norway. In the Round of 16, they faced Bulgaria; after a 1–1 draw, Mexico were eliminated 3–1 on penalties. The campaign reinforced their consistency but highlighted lingering struggles in knockout stages.
