A group-stage exit in 1998 had been a sobering lesson. Spain returned in 2002 with renewed purpose. Under José Antonio Camacho, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Spain showed enough quality to navigate the group stage, but their campaign ended in the knockout rounds before the latter stages. With 10 goals in 5 games, they carried a consistent attacking threat throughout. They went the entire tournament unbeaten, a testament to their resolve.
Spain looked unstoppable in the group stage, winning every match and signalling their intentions early. They survived a penalty shootout against Republic of Ireland in the Round of 16, and were eliminated by Korea Republic on penalties in the Quarter-finals. The agony of a penalty shootout defeat against Korea Republic brought a cruel end to a campaign that had promised so much more.
3won2drawn
10scored5conceded
Unbeaten throughout.
Raúl led Spain's attack with 3 goals at the 2002 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Morientes, both with 3.
A campaign that went the distance
Every knockout match went to extra time including vs Republic of Ireland in the round of 16.
The tactical mind behind Spain's 2002 campaign. Unbeaten under Camacho leading Spain at his first World Cup.
Under Camacho's guidance, La Roja employed an aggressive pressing tactic to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. Their attacking trio of Raúl, Morientes, and Hierro provided a potent threat.
