On SAT 04 JUL 1998, Germany took on Croatia at the Stade Gerland in their France 1998 quarterfinal. Germany had felt confident with their second round win over Mexico, but Croatia were on a high of their own after powering past Jamaica and Japan in the group stage and Romania in the round of sixteen. Davor SUKER scored two of his tournament leading six goals that day, and the Germans had Christian WÖRNS sent off in the first half as they fell 3-0. Croatia would win the third place match, making the world take notice of their distinctive red/white checkered kits.

ECUADOR
Traditionally amongst the doormats of South America, Ecuador's successful CONMEBOL qualification campaign was highlighted by the team's first win over Brazil. At Korea/Japan 2002, they would finish last in Group G but had the distinction of being, along with Poland, the only weakest links to obtain a win. The match against Mexico was the most difficult learning experience. Their first World Cup goal came only five minutes from Agustín DELGADO's forehead, but afterward they sat back on defense and let Mexico come forward often. Ecuador gave up two goals and lost, but free from the pressure against Croatia, they played an inspired match, made their homeland happy, and sent a message to their South American friends: We're ready for Germany 2006.

CROATIA
Surprising third place finishers at France 1998, Croatia found themselves in different waters at Korea/Japan 2002. For one thing, their kits were considerably uglier than those four years ago; blue does not mix well with red and white checkerboards. Boris ZIVKOVIC had the dishonour of receiving the tournament's first red card for bringing down Mexico's Cuauhtémoc BLANCO from the side, leading to Blanco's penalty that was the match's only goal. Croatia pieced things together against Italy, coming back from a goal down to score twice in the last twenty minutes. But they could not solve Western Hemisphere opponents, never really playing solidly against Ecuador and losing by an identical 1-0 margin.

ITALY
In the first couple of days of the tournament, France's loss and Argentina's underwhelming win seemed to leave Italy as logical favourites. The no longer aptly named Azzurri [Azzurri Pastelli anyone?] started well, with two goals by Christian VIERI in a 2-0 win over Ecuador. Vieri scored again in the 55th minute against Croatia, at which point, with weapons like Vieri, Francesco TOTTI, and Alessandro DEL PIERO, you'd go for the kill, right? But coach Giovanni TRAPATTONI pulled the team back, and sure enough, Croatia's two goals in a four minute span sank the Italians, who spent their postmatch press conference complaining about their two goals disallowed, on an offside and on a foul. They would score late to salvage a draw with Mexico and a second round berth against the Korea Republic.

Vieri put Italy in front 18 minutes in, and Gianluigi BUFFON's performance in goal looked certain to send the Azzurri into the quarters yet again. But Korea Rep finally equalised with two minutes remaining in normal time, and Totti was sent off in the 103rd minute for a diving infraction that was, at best, questionable. Once again, the team's hyperdefensive tactics backfired, and once again, the officials were their convenient scapegoat.

MEXICO
Mexico may well have become tournament favourites had they held on to defeat Italy. But Del Piero drew the Italians level on a header, keeping Mexico from winning three in a row. In any case, as Group G winners, los Tricolores would meet up with the second team in Group D in the second round. They were unlucky to find neighbours - and familiar foes - the United States awaiting them. Mexico were burned by an early Brian MCBRIDE goal, an uncalled handball in the box, and undisciplined play, highlighted by a late reckless challenge by Rafael MÁRQUEZ that got him a red card and a suspension that may carry into late 2004.

"Do any of these teams have what it takes to pass Italy at the top? No, they will have to struggle for second place." Though Mexico got around Italy to negate our prediction, it made little difference as neither could get past their second round opponents.