The U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2002 season was one of the most successful in its history, highlighted by a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Coached by Bruce Arena, the U.S. defied expectations by reaching the quarterfinals, their best World Cup performance since 1930.

They opened with a thrilling 3–2 win over Portugal, drew 1–1 with South Korea, and advanced from the group despite a loss to Poland. In the Round of 16, they defeated Mexico 2–0, with goals from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan, before narrowly losing 1–0 to Germany in a controversial quarterfinal. The team’s energetic, fearless play earned global respect.

Celtic’s 1995–97 period was one of transition and near misses as the club sought to re-establish itself as a dominant force in Scottish football. Under Tommy Burns, Celtic played attractive, attacking football led by Pierre van Hooijdonk, Jorge Cadete, and Paolo Di Canio — dubbed the “Three Amigos.”

In 1995/96, Celtic finished second in the league behind Rangers, losing only once but drawing too many games to mount a real title challenge. The highlight came in 1995, when they won the Scottish Cup, their first major trophy in six years.

The 1996/97 season brought further frustration — again runners-up to Rangers — and despite Burns’ entertaining style, his inability to secure the title led to his departure.

Celtic’s 1998/99 season was one of frustration, coming off the high of stopping Rangers’ “Ten in a Row” the previous year. Under new manager Jozef Vengloš, and later interim boss Kenny Dalglish after his departure, Celtic finished second in the Scottish Premier League, six points behind Rangers. Despite strong individual performances from Henrik Larsson — who scored prolifically before suffering a serious leg injury — and Lubomir Moravčík’s creative spark, inconsistency plagued the side. Celtic also lost the League Cup final to Rangers and failed to make an impact in Europe. The season highlighted the need for rebuilding, leading to the appointment of John Barnes the following summer.

Celtic’s 1991/92 season was a turbulent and disappointing campaign. Managed by Liam Brady in his first full season in charge, the team struggled for consistency and finished third in the Scottish Premier Division, well behind champions Rangers. Despite flashes of promise from players like Charlie Nicholas, Tommy Coyne, and Paul McStay, Celtic lacked the depth and stability to mount a serious title challenge. They also fell short in the domestic cups, exiting both the Scottish Cup and League Cup early. The season reflected a transitional phase for the club, as Brady sought to rebuild amid financial pressures and rising expectations.

Under new manager George Graham, Leeds United enjoyed a strong recovery, finishing 5th in the Premier League and qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Graham built a solid, disciplined side after several inconsistent years, focusing on defensive organisation and tactical structure. The squad featured key players like Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who joined from Boavista and quickly became top scorer, alongside Harry Kewell, Lee Bowyer, and captain Lucas Radebe. While not the most attacking team, Leeds’ resilience and work ethic made them difficult opponents. This season laid the groundwork for David O’Leary’s exciting, attacking Leeds side that would soon challenge Europe’s elite.

Under new manager George Graham, Leeds United enjoyed a strong recovery, finishing 5th in the Premier League and qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Graham built a solid, disciplined side after several inconsistent years, focusing on defensive organisation and tactical structure. The squad featured key players like Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who joined from Boavista and quickly became top scorer, alongside Harry Kewell, Lee Bowyer, and captain Lucas Radebe. While not the most attacking team, Leeds’ resilience and work ethic made them difficult opponents. This season laid the groundwork for David O’Leary’s exciting, attacking Leeds side that would soon challenge Europe’s elite.

1998/99: Under David O’Leary, Leeds United became one of the Premier League’s most exciting young sides. They finished 4th, qualifying for the UEFA Cup and impressing with attacking, high-energy football. Players like Harry Kewell, Alan Smith, Lee Bowyer, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink starred, while Lucas Radebe provided defensive leadership.

1999/2000: Leeds went even further, finishing 3rd to earn Champions League qualification. O’Leary’s side also reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals, losing to Galatasaray amid tragedy in Istanbul. With a fearless young core, Leeds became genuine contenders at home and abroad, setting the stage for their dramatic rise — and later, fall.

Under Howard Wilkinson, Leeds United enjoyed a strong Premier League campaign, finishing 13th, showing improvement after inconsistency in previous seasons. The squad featured key players such as Gary McAllister, Gary Speed, Tony Yeboah, and Lucas Radebe. Yeboah was the standout performer, scoring spectacular goals that became Premier League classics. Leeds’ home form at Elland Road was solid, but away performances were inconsistent. In the Coca-Cola Cup (League Cup), they reached the final but lost 3–0 to Aston Villa. The season reflected Leeds’ gradual recovery and Yeboah’s brilliance, though they lacked the depth to challenge at the very top.