2002 Spain Home – Xavi #19 Small

The 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan was a strong but controversial campaign for Spain, who entered the tournament full of optimism under manager José Antonio Camacho. La Roja displayed attacking flair, technical quality, and resilience — but their run ended painfully in the quarterfinals, in what remains one of the most disputed matches in World Cup history.

• Competition: 2002 FIFA World Cup (Korea/Japan)

• Group Stage (Group B):

  • Spain 3–1 Slovenia – Goals from Raúl (2) and Valerón got the campaign off to a perfect start.

  • Spain 3–1 Paraguay – Another commanding win with goals from Morientes and Hierro.

  • Spain 3–2 South Africa – A dramatic victory sealed top spot in the group with a perfect record.

• Round of 16:

  • Spain 1–1 Ireland (a.e.t.), Spain won 3–2 on penalties — Iker Casillas emerged as the hero.

• Quarterfinals:

  • Spain 0–0 South Korea (a.e.t.), South Korea won 5–3 on penalties.

  • Spain had two legitimate goals disallowed, including one from Morientes — one of the most infamous refereeing decisions in World Cup history.

• Final Result: Quarterfinal finish, unbeaten in open play (4 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses).

• Key Storyline:

  • Spain played attractive, possession-based football that hinted at the golden era to come.

  • Despite elimination, the tournament marked the emergence of a new generation — Xavi Hernández, Iker Casillas, and Carles Puyol — players who would later define world football dominance from 2008 to 2012.

• Kit:
  The 2002 Spain home jersey, by Adidas, featured a vibrant red body with gold shoulder stripes and navy trim. It was simple, bold, and elegant — with the old-school Spanish crest and number font adding a touch of classic authenticity. The design remains one of Spain’s most iconic early-2000s kits, representing transition from veterans to future legends.

2. Player’s Impact – Xavi Hernández (2002 World Cup)

At just 22 years old, Xavi Hernández was making his major tournament debut for Spain. Although not yet the centerpiece of the team, his technical brilliance and composure were already evident.

• Appearances: 3 matches (1 start, 2 as a substitute).

• Role: Central midfielder — orchestrating play from deep, maintaining possession, and linking defense to attack.

• Key Moments:

  • Made his first World Cup start against South Africa, impressing with control and tempo.

  • Played a vital role in the Round of 16 win over Ireland, successfully converting a penalty in the shootout.

  • His calmness under pressure earned the trust of veterans and coaching staff alike.

• Legacy:

  • The 2002 World Cup marked the international emergence of Xavi, foreshadowing his future as the architect of Spain’s tiki-taka dynasty.

  • Within six years, he would become the midfield general of the national team that conquered the world — but 2002 was the starting point of that evolution.

3. Full Squad List – Spain 2002 World Cup

Manager: José Antonio Camacho

Goalkeepers:

• Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

• Santiago Cañizares (Valencia, injured before tournament)

• Pedro Contreras (Málaga)

• (Cañizares was replaced by Diego López — not used)

Defenders:

• Fernando Hierro (Real Madrid, Captain)

• Carles Puyol (Barcelona)

• Iván Helguera (Real Madrid)

• Juanfran García (Celta Vigo)

• Miguel Ángel Nadal (Mallorca)

• Curro Torres (Valencia)

• Juanmi (Deportivo)

Midfielders:

• Xavi Hernández (Barcelona)

• Luis Enrique (Barcelona)

• Juan Carlos Valerón (Deportivo La Coruña)

• Rubén Baraja (Valencia)

• Gaizka Mendieta (Lazio)

• Iván Campo (Real Madrid)

• Joaquín Sánchez (Real Betis)

Forwards:

• Raúl González (Real Madrid)

• Fernando Morientes (Real Madrid)

• Diego Tristán (Deportivo)

• Pedro Munitis (Racing Santander)