Argentina found themselves drawn against three sides making their first ever appearance in the finals and, as expected, cruised into the next round with maximum points. Croatia, who had joined FIFA in 1992 and reached the quarter finals of Euro 96 were impressive.
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1998 Overview | Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H | Knock Out Stages
Argentina
Japan
Gabriel Batistuta scored for Argentina against the Samurai Blue, knocking the ball over the Japanese goal keeper after the ball broke to him on the edge of the penalty area.
Croatia
Jamaica
At half time, the Reggaeboyz were drawing 1-1, Robbie Earle having put them level in the last minute, canceling out an earlier goal by Stanić. In the second half, Croatia's superiority was evident and they finished as comfortable winners.
Croatia
Japan
It took a late goal from Šuker to earn Croatia a narrow victory and set them up with a place in the next round.
Argentina
Jamaica
Jamaica proved no match for the very experienced Argentine team, Batistuta scoring a hat-trick.
Argentina
Croatia
With both teams through, what was at stake here was who would finish first and benefit from the easier draw in the knock out phase. Pineda, unmarked on the left, took a chipped pass on the chest and knocked the ball past the Croatian goalkeeper for the winner in the 36th minute.
Jamaica
Japan
Two goals from Theodore Whitmore gave Jamaica their first ever win in the World Cup finals. Nakayama had the honour of scoring Japan's first goal in the finals in the second half.