Terry Maddaford: World Cup a magical mystery tour

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The World Cup magical mystery tour which kicked-off with Senegal's spectacular 1-0 upset over defending champions France and continued until the last of the 48 matches in group play when South Korea ousted highly-fancied Portugal, continues tonight with the first of the winner-take-all sudden death clashes.

While some have bemoaned the early exits of France, Argentina and Portugal there are many more who have welcomed the almost daily upsets which have set the 2002 World Cup apart from all that have gone before.

In getting up with dramatic last-day victories, South Korea and Japan -- against the odds -- continued the tradition of all host nations qualifying for the second phase.

While it will not be easy for the Koreans to make it further -- they meet the classy Italians in Daejon on Tuesday -- Japan have a good chance against Turkey (also on Tuesday).

The crowd support for the hosts has been amazing and played, no doubt, a key role in their successes.

Japan qualified unbeaten in what was generally regarded as the weakest of the eight groups. While they managed just five goals, they built their game on a strong defensive effort conceding just two goals -- in their first up 2-2 draw with Belgium. Turkey, second behind Brazil in group C, edged Costa Rica on goal difference to reach the last 16. Apart from their 3-0 win over China, the Turks struggled to score and will be tested by the lively Japanese.

Before that, the attention will focus on tonight's openers.

First-up Germany meet Paraguay in their first ever World Cup clash. Hit by the suspension of three players and with star striker Michael Ballack under an injury cloud, Germany face a real battle against the Paraguians who finished second behind Spain who, along with Brazil, were the only teams to score three wins in group play.

The match holds particular importance for German striker Miroslav Klose who goes out as the tournament's top scorer in the chase for the coveted Golden Boot. With five of the 11 goals scored by the Germans, Klose is one clear of Brazil's Ronaldo and Dane Joh Dahl Tomasson who has his chance to increase his tally in tonight's late game against England.

Germany's poor disciplinary record is already counting against them. They ended the first phase with 10 yellow and one red card -- just one behind the Turks who finished with 10 yellow and two red.

For English supporters around the world, their match with Denmark is seen as a watershed in the revival hopes of a once-proud footballing nation still basking in the fading glory of their 1966 World Cup triumph -- their only Cup final appearance.

Like many teams in 2002, England have players seen by many as past their international "use by" date. Ace striker Michael Owen has been subdued in England's three group outings. Tonight he and captain David Beckham will be expected to lead the charge against a Danish side who have got through unbeaten with their only hic-cup the 1-1 draw with unpredictable, but exciting, Senegal.

Like many teams, England have struggled to score. Their only two goals have come from set play (a corner) and a Beckham penalty. On the other hand, England conceded just one goal in getting through with veteran 'keeper David Seaman playing as well as any at the tournament.

While tonight's games promise to be tight -- maybe dull -- affairs, tomorrow's games between Senegal and Sweden and Spain and Ireland should be crackers. Then, on Monday, the magical Brazilians will be back against Belgium and Mexico will play the United States in the all-Concacaf affair.

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