June 12 – Anders Against Argentina

AFTER Archie Gemmill’s stunning but ultimately fruitless heroics for Scotland yesterday, today we remember a beauty of a goal that did have a bearing on the final shake-up of a World Cup group.

For Scotland and Gemmill in 1978 read Sweden and Anders Svensson on this day in 2002 at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. The competition was the tournament of the underdog with joint hosts South Korea making it all the way to the semi-finals while Senegal and the USA enjoyed surprise victories over Portugal and France respectively.

While the underdogs prospered, the big boys struggled with holders France mounting the worst defence of the title ever seen. After their opening 1-0 defeat to Senegal, the World Champions failed to even score as they were eliminated at the group stage.

Favourites to life the trophy were Argentina. They had World Cup winning pedigree having won in 1978 and 1986 and Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said: “Argentina are probably the best team in the world,” when his side were drawn in the same group as the South Americans.

Argentina had beaten Nigeria in their opening match but lost to England thanks to a David Beckham penalty in their second match. Going into their match with Argentina, Sweden already had four points on the board having beaten Nigeria and drawn with England.

Despite the South Americans dominating the game, just before the hour Anders Svensson, then a Southampton player, was fouled by Matias Almeyda. He picked himself up and took the free kick himself scoring a curling shot that went over the wall and evaded goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero.

Despite a late equaliser from Hernan Crespo, Argentina could not find the crucial winner they needed and, thanks to England drawing with Nigeria, Argentina were out, and Sweden were group winners.

They only managed one more game themselves though, as they were beaten 2-1 in extra time by France’s conquerors Senegal.

Have a look at Anders’ goal and come back tomorrow when one former player decides dark glasses and a false moustache are not working and resorts to drastic action to evade the press.