France 1998
The 1998 FIFA World Cup in France expanded the tournament's horizons as it welcomed 32 teams for the first time, encapsulating the growing global footprint of the game. The event culminated with France winning their first World Cup, a triumph sealed on home soil as they defeated Brazil 3-0 in a final that was as much a tactical masterclass as it was a national celebration, with Zinedine Zidane rising to the occasion with two headed goals and the French captain Didier Deschamps lifting the trophy in the Stade de France. The tournament showcased a rich tapestry of talent and was punctuated by the emergence of new footballing nations, evidenced by Croatia's remarkable third-place finish in their maiden World Cup. Controversy also touched the tournament, with the mystery surrounding Brazilian superstar Ronaldo's health before the final remaining a subject of speculation.
Knockout stage
group stage
| Group C | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1  France | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 9 |
2  Denmark | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
3  South Africa | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 2 |
4  Saudi Arabia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 1 |
| Group E | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1  Netherlands | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 5 |
2  Mexico | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
3  Belgium | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
4  South Korea | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 1 |
| Group F | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1  Germany | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 7 |
2  Yugoslavia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 7 |
3  Iran | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
4  United States | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Group H | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1  Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 9 |
2  Croatia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
3  Jamaica | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 3 |
4  Japan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Top scorers
Davor Šuker (6)Gabriel Batistuta (5)
Christian Vieri (5)
Ronaldo (4)Luis Hernández (4)
Marcelo Salas (4)Jürgen Klinsmann (3)Oliver Bierhoff (3) Rivaldo (3) Bebeto (3)