2002–03 ECHL season, Regular season, Final standings
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L= Losses; SOL = Shootout Losses; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = PointsGreen shade = Clinched playoff spot; Blue shade = Clinched division; (z) = Clinched home-ice advantage


2002–03 EEHL season
The 2002–03 Eastern European Hockey League season, was the eighth season of the Eastern European Hockey League, a multi-national ice hockey league. 16 teams participated in the league, 10 in Division 1, and six in Division 2. HK Keramin Minsk of Belarus won Division 1, and ASK Jelgava of Latvia won Division 2.


2002–03 EHF Champions League
The 2002–03 EHF Champions League was the 43rd edition of Europe's premier club handball tournament.


2002–03 ES Sétif season
The 2002–03 season will be ES Sétif's 33rd season in the Algerian top flight, They will be competing in National 1, and the Algerian Cup.


2002–03 ES Sétif season, Squad list
Players and squad numbers last updated on 1 September 2002.Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 ES Sétif season, Squad information, Goalscorers
Includes all competitive matches. The list is sorted alphabetically by surname when total goals are equal.


2002–03 EWWL League
EWWL League for the season 2002–03 was the second season of the WABA League. Attended by eight teams from four countries, a champion for the first time in history, became the team Željezničar Sarajevo. In this season participating clubs from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and from Austria.


2002–03 EWWL League, Regular season
The League of the season was played with 8 teams and play a dual circuit system, each with each one game at home and away. The four best teams at the end of the regular season were placed in the Final Four.


2002–03 EWWL League, Final four
Final Four to be played 24 and 25 January 2003 in the Dvorana Mirza Delibašić in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.


2002–03 East Bengal FC season
The 2002–03 season is East Bengal Football Club's 7th season in the National Football League, and also marks the club's 83rd season. Coached by Subhash Bhowmick, East Bengal won all five trophies from the five tournaments they participated in, including their second National league title, competing in the 2002–03 NFL. They also won the 2002 Calcutta Football League, 2002 Durand Cup and 2002 IFA Shield and the 2002 Independence Day Cup. This was the third instance in the history of East Bengal club that the club had won 5 trophies in a season, the other two back in 1972 and 1973 during P.K. Banerjee's reign.


2002–03 East Bengal FC season, First-team squad
East Bengal FC squad for the 2002–03 season. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 East Bengal FC season, Stadiums
Kingfisher East Bengal F.C. have been using both the Salt Lake Stadium and the East Bengal Ground since Salt Lake Stadium opened in 1984. As of today the Salt Lake Stadium is used for East Bengal's I-League, AFC Cup, and Federation Cup games. The East Bengal Ground is used for the Calcutta Football League matches.


2002–03 East Bengal FC season, Matches, Independence Day Cup
East Bengal club went to Nagaon, Assam to participate in the 54th Independence Day Cup tournament after the end of the Championship Group round matches of the Calcutta League. The club won the tournament defeating Oil India Ltd FC of Assam by 2–0 with goals from Alvito D'Cunha and Chandan Das.


2002–03 East Bengal FC season, Matches, Durand Cup
East Bengal club participated in the 115th Durand Cup held in Delhi being grouped in Group B along with MEG, Bangalore and Air India. The team won their third tournament of the season after defeating Army XI in the final by 3–0 margin.


2002–03 East Bengal FC season, Matches, IFA Shield
Just days after winning the Durand Cup, the club participated in the IFA Shield held in Kolkata and was grouped alongside Indian Bank, Churchill Brothers and Tollygunge Agragami in Group A. The team reached the final defeating Vasco in the Semi-Final and lifted their 4th trophy of the season by defeating Churchill Brothers in the final via a penalty shootout, with Sashti Duley scoring the winning penalty in the sudden-death.


2002–03 Eastern Counties Football League
The 2002–03 Eastern Counties Football League season was the 61st in the history of Eastern Counties Football League a football competition in England.


2002–03 Eastern Counties Football League, Premier Division
The Premier Division featured 20 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with three new clubs:


2002–03 Eastern Counties Football League, Division One
Division One featured 15 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with four new clubs:


2002–03 Eastern Michigan Eagles men's basketball team
The 2002–03 Eastern Michigan Eagles men's basketball team represented Eastern Michigan University during the 2002–03 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Eagles, led by 3rd year head coach Jim Boone. The Eagles played their home games at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center and were members of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 14–14, 8–10 in MAC play. They finished 4th in the MAC West. They were knocked out in the 1st round of the MAC Tournament by Marshall.


2002–03 Eastern Michigan Eagles men's basketball team, Roster
The team captains were Ricky Cottrill, Steve Pettyjohn, and Ryan Prillman.


2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season
The 2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 24th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 38–28–12–4 record in 2001–02, earning 92 points, however, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 1996, finishing in 9th place in the Western Conference.


2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season
The Oilers got off to a slow start, winning only 1 of their first 7 games, going 1–4–2, however, the club turned around the tough start and move above the .500 mark on November 25 and never go below again for the remainder of the season. As the trade deadline approached in mid-March, and the club comfortably in a playoff position, Edmonton made a couple of deals, trading defenceman Janne Niinimaa and a second-round draft pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft to the New York Islanders in exchange for Brad Isbister and prospect Raffi Torres. The Oilers also traded Anson Carter and Aleš Píša to the New York Rangers for Radek Dvořák and Cory Cross. Edmonton finished the season with a 36–26–11–9 record, earning 92 points, the same amount as the previous season, and clinch the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.


2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season
Offensively, Ryan Smyth led the club with 27 goals and 61 points, while Todd Marchant had a breakout season, earning 40 assists and 60 points. Anson Carter had 25 goals and 55 points in 68 games before being dealt to the New York Rangers. Mike York and Mike Comrie each broke the 20 goal plateau, with 22 and 20 goals respectively. Eric Brewer led the Oilers defense with eight goals and 29 points, while Scott Ferguson had a team high 120 penalty minutes.


2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season
In goal, Tommy Salo once again got a majority of the playing time, winning 29 games, while posting a 2.71 goals against average (GAA) and earning four shutouts. Backup Jussi Markkanen had a very solid season, winning seven games, had a team-high 2.59 GAA and posted three shutouts.


2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season
The Oilers finished first overall in the NHL in short-handed goals scored, with 13.


2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season
After a year of absence, Edmonton returned to the post-season and would face their old rivals, the Dallas Stars, who finished with 111 points in the regular season. This was the sixth playoff meeting between the clubs in the past seven years, with Dallas winning four series in a row. Edmonton started the series on the right note, defeating the Stars 2–1 on the road.


2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season
Dallas, however, routed the Oilers in Game 2 to even the series as it shifted to Edmonton  The Oilers took a 2–1 series lead with a solid 3–2 victory in Game 3, but Dallas rebound in Game 4 to tie the series up at two games apiece. The Stars took control of the series, winning Game 5, 5–2, and end the series in Game 6, beating Edmonton 3–2, thereby eliminating the Oilers for the fifth time in the past six seasons.


2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season, Season standings
Note: CR = Conference rank; GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime loss; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points         Bolded teams qualified for the playoffs.


2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season, Schedule and results
Legend:   Win (2 points)  Loss (0 points)  Tie (1 point)  Overtime Loss (1 point)


2002–03 Eerste Divisie
The Dutch Eerste Divisie in the 2002–03 season was contested by 18 teams. ADO Den Haag won the championship.


2002–03 Eerste Klasse
2002–03 Eerste Klasse was a Dutch association football season of the Eerste Klasse.


2002–03 Egyptian Premier League
The 2002–03 Egyptian Premier League was the forty-sixth season of the Egyptian Premier League since its establishment in 1948. The season began on 23 September 2002 and concluded on 23 May 2003, with a total of 14 teams contesting the league. Zamalek won the title, with Al Ahly being the runner up.


2002–03 Egyptian Super Cup
The 2002–03 Egyptian Super Cup was the 2nd Egyptian Super Cup, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Egyptian Premier League and Egypt Cup competitions, Zamalek won the game 1–0 after extra time.


2002–03 Eintracht Frankfurt season
The 2002–03 Eintracht Frankfurt season was the 103rd season in the club's football history. In 2002–03 the club played in the 2. Bundesliga, the second tier of German football. It was the club's 4th season in the 2. Bundesliga. The season ended for Eintracht with promotion to the Bundesliga after finishing 3rd in the 2. Bundesliga.


2002–03 Eintracht Frankfurt season, Players, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Eintracht Frankfurt season, Players, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Eintracht Frankfurt season, Players, Eintracht Frankfurt II
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Eintracht Frankfurt season, Players, Under-19s
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Eintracht Frankfurt season, Players, Under-17s
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Ekstraklasa
The 2002–03 Ekstraklasa is the 77th season of the Polish Football Championship and the 69th season of the Ekstraklasa, the top Polish professional league for association football clubs, since its establishment in 1927.


2002–03 Ekstraklasa, Overview
16 teams competed in the 2002-03 season. Wisła Kraków won the championship.


2002–03 Eliteserien season
The 2002–03 Eliteserien season was the 64th season of ice hockey in Norway. Nine teams participated in the league, and Valerenga Ishockey won the championship.


2002–03 Elitserien (men's handball)
The 2002–03 Elitserien was the 69th season of the top division of Swedish handball. 12 teams competed in the league. The league was split into an autumn league and a spring league. The eight highest placed teams in the autumn league qualified for the spring league, whereas the four lowest placed teams qualified for Allsvenskan along with the highest placed teams from the autumn season of Division I (the second level).


2002–03 Elitserien (men's handball)
The six highest placed teams in the spring season of Elitserien qualified for the quarterfinals, whereas the two lowest placed teams qualified for the preliminary round of the playoffs, along with the two highest placed teams of Allsvenskan. Redbergslids IK won the regular season and also won the playoffs to claim their 20th Swedish title.


2002–03 Elitserien season
The 2002–03 Elitserien season was the 28th season of the Elitserien, the top level of ice hockey in Sweden. 12 teams participated in the league, and Vastra Frolunda HC won the championship.


2002–03 Empoli F.C. season
During the 2002–03 Italian football season, Empoli F.C. competed in the Serie A.


2002–03 Empoli F.C. season, Kit
Empoli's kit was manufactured by Italian sports retailer Erreà and sponsored by Sammontana.


2002–03 England Hockey League season
The 2002–03 English Hockey League season took place from September 2002 until May 2003.


2002–03 England Hockey League season
The men's title was won by Cannock with the women's title going to Slough. There were no play offs to determine champions after the regular season but there was a competition for the top four clubs called the Premiership tournament which culminated with men's & women's finals on 5 May.


2002–03 England Hockey League season
The Men's Cup was won by Reading and the Women's Cup was won by Canterbury.


2002–03 England Hockey League season, Men's Cup (EHA Cup), Final
ReadingSimon Mason, Rob Todd, Jon Wyatt, Ben Barnes, Rhys Joyce, Simon Towns, Manpreet Kochar, Richard Mantell, Mark Pearn, Ken Robinson, Jonty Clarke. Subs: Adam Mulholland, Howard Hoskin, Andy Watts, Scott Ashdown, Dave CooperCannockJames Fair, Andrew Humphrey, Simon Ramsden, Andrew West, Craig Parnham, Matthew Taylor, Michael Johnson, Ben Sharpe, Andrew Brogdon, Scott Cordon, Martin Jones. Subs: Barry Middleton, Chris Mayer, James Tweddle, Richard Lane, Andrew GooderhamScorersMantell, Robinson, Ashdown, Hoskin / Lane


2002–03 England Hockey League season, Women's Cup (EHA Cup), Final
CanterburyNatalie Westcar, Frances Houslop, Susan Webber, Mel Clewlow, Lucy Burr, Nicky Litchfield, Jackie Laslett, S Sutton, Anna Bennett, Vanessa Lines, Jenny Wilson. Subs: Tasha Brennan, Alice Dunn, Juliet Chapman, Christina Houslop, Hayley BrownSloughBeth Storry, Lisa Scarborough, Kate Walsh, Fiona Greenham, Lucy Newcombe, Sue Chandler, A Brown, Carol Voss, Lucy Bevan, Vicky Goodacre, Alex Scott. Subs: Sarah Kelleher, L Walton, Lesley Hobley, L SmithScorersWebber, Bennett (2), Clewlow


2002–03 Eredivisie
The Dutch Eredivisie in the 2002–03 season was contested by 18 teams. PSV won the championship.


2002–03 Eredivisie (basketball)
The 2002–03 Eredivisie season was the 43rd season of the Eredivisie in basketball, the highest professional basketball league in the Netherlands. EiffelTowers Nijmegen won their first national title.


2002–03 Eredivisie (ice hockey) season
The 2002–03 Eredivisie season was the 43rd season of the Eredivisie, the top level of ice hockey in the Netherlands. Five teams participated in the league, and the Boretti Tigers Amsterdam won the championship.


2002–03 Essex Senior Football League
The 2002–03 Essex Senior Football League season was the 32nd in the history of Essex Senior Football League a football competition in England.


2002–03 Essex Senior Football League, Clubs
The league featured 15 clubs which competed in the league last season, along with two new clubs:


2002–03 Esteghlal F.C. season
The 2002–03 season are the Esteghlal Football Club's 2nd season in the Iran Pro League, and their 9th consecutive season in the top division of Iranian football. They are also competing in the Hazfi Cup and AFC Champions League, and 58th year in existence as a football club.


2002–03 Esteghlal F.C. season, Player
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Euro Hockey Tour
The 2002-03 Euro Hockey Tour was the seventh season of the Euro Hockey Tour. The season consisted of four tournaments, the Česká Pojišťovna Cup, Karjala Tournament, Baltica Brewery Cup, and the Sweden Hockey Games.


2002–03 Euro Hockey Tour, Tournaments, Baltica Brewery Cup
The Czech Republic won the Baltica Brewery Cup. Slovakia also participated in the tournament. The games they participated in did not count towards the final standings of the Euro Hockey Tour.


2002–03 Euro Hockey Tour, Tournaments, Sweden Hockey Games
Russia won the Sweden Hockey Games. Canada also participated in the tournament. The games they participated in did not count towards the final standings of the Euro Hockey Tour.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge
The 2002-03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge was the first edition of the tournament. 14 countries participated in 12 tournaments, divided into four sessions, which took place in September, November, December, and February.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, September session, Riga Tournament
The tournament was played in Riga, Latvia from August 30 to September 1, 2002. It was won by Latvia.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, September session, Sëlva Tournament
The tournament was played in Sëlva, Italy from August 30 to September 1, 2002. It was won by Norway.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, September session, Nottingham Tournament
The tournament was played in Nottingham, Great Britain from August 30 to September 1, 2002. It was won by Belarus.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, November session, Székesfehérvár and Dunaújváros Tournament
The tournament was played in Székesfehérvár and Dunaújváros, Hungary from November 8–10, 2002. It was won by Ukraine.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, November session, Asker Tournament
The tournament was played in Asker, Norway from November 8–10, 2002. It was won by Austria.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, November session, Trofeo Olivier Lesieur
The tournament was played in Belfort and Mulhouse, France from November 8–10, 2002. It was won by Denmark.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, December session, Danzig Tournament
The tournament was played in Danzig, Poland from December 13–15, 2002. It was won by Latvia.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, December session, Kyiv Tournament
The tournament was played in Kyiv, Ukraine from December 13–15, 2002. It was won by Belarus.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, December session, Bled Tournament
The tournament was played in Bled, Slovenia from December 13–15, 2002. It was won by France.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, February session, Villach Tournament
The tournament was played in Villach, Austria from February 7–9, 2003. It was won by Austria.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, February session, Minsk Tournament
The tournament was played in Minsk, Belarus from February 7–9, 2003. It was won by Belarus.


2002–03 Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, February session, Odense Tournament
The tournament was played in Odense, Denmark from February 7–9, 2003. It was won by Denmark


2002–03 Euroleague
The 2002–03 Euroleague was the third season of the professional basketball  competition for elite clubs throughout Europe, organised by Euroleague Basketball Company, and it was the 46th season of the premier competition for European men's clubs overall. The 2002–03 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries. The final of the competition was held in Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain, with hosts FC Barcelona defeating Benetton Treviso 76-65.


2002–03 Euroleague, Regular season
The first phase was a regular season, in which the competing teams were drawn into three groups, each containing eight teams. Each team played every other team in its group at home and away, resulting in 14 games for each team in the first stage. The top 5 teams in each group and the best sixth-placed team advanced to the next round. The complete list of tiebreakers was provided in the lead-in to the Regular Season results.


2002–03 Euroleague, Regular season
If one or more clubs were level on won-lost record, tiebreakers were applied in the following order:


2002–03 Euroleague, Top 16
The surviving teams were divided into four groups of four teams each, and again a round robin system was adopted, resulting in 6 games each, with the top team advancing to the Final Four. Tiebreakers were identical to those used in the Regular Season.


2002–03 Euroleague, Final four
The Final Four was played from 9 May until 11 May 2003 and was held in the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona.


2002–03 European Challenge Cup
The 2002–03 European Challenge Cup (known as the Parker Pen Challenge Cup for sponsorship reasons) was the 7th season of the European Challenge Cup, Europe's second tier club rugby union competition below the Heineken Cup. A total of 32 teams participated, representing eight countries.


2002–03 European Challenge Cup
The competition began when Gran Parma hosted Bath and Ebbw Vale hosted Montauban on 11 October 2002 and culminated in the final at the Madejski Stadium in Reading on 25 May 2003.


2002–03 European Challenge Cup
Unlike previous seasons, the structure of the competition was changed to a purely knockout format. Teams played each other on a home and away basis, with the aggregate points winner proceeding to the next round. The final was a single leg. For that first time, a third tier tournament was created - the European Shield. This was contested between the first round losers from the European Challenge Cup.


2002–03 European Challenge Cup
The defending champions, England's Sale Sharks, did not have a chance to defend their crown because they qualified to play in the Heineken Cup. London Wasps claimed a victory over Bath in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.


2002–03 European Nations Cup Third Division
The 2002–2004 European Nations Cup was the fourth edition of the newly reformed European Championship for tier 2 & 3 Rugby Union Nations. This was the second two-year cycled championship, the first to be planned from the start.


2002–03 European Nations Cup Third Division
The Third division had a controversy development. The team were divided into three groups according to the ranking of previous edition to play, but there were several problems:


2002–03 European Nations Cup Third Division
So the European federation decided to change from a two-years formula to a one-year formula again, considering the two matches played in Pool "C" as friendlies and turning the Pool into a short knock-out tournament held in Ibiza, Spain. Furthermore, the winners of Pools B and C were promoted, respectively, to Pools A and B for the 2003–04 edition. No promotions from Pool A to Second division were awarded, nor relegations to lower Pools.


2002–03 European Nations Cup Third Division, Pool A
The highest level was the Pool "A", with five teams:


2002–03 European Nations Cup Third Division, Pool B
The middle level was the Pool "B", with five teams:


2002–03 European Shield
The 2002–03 European Shield (known as the Parker Pen Shield for sponsorship reasons) was the 1st season of the European Shield, Europe's third-tier club rugby union competition below the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup. A total of 16 teams participated, representing five different countries.


2002–03 European Shield
This competition was contested between the first round losers from the 2002–03 European Challenge Cup. The structure of the competition was a purely knockout format; teams played each other on a home and away basis, with the aggregate points winner proceeding to the next round. The final was a single leg.


2002–03 European Shield
The competition began on 6 December 2002 and culminated in the final at the Madejski Stadium in Reading on 25 May 2003. Castres Olympique secured a victory over Caerphilly in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.


2002–03 European Shield, Teams
This competition was contested between the 16 first round losers from the 2002–03 European Challenge Cup.


2002–03 Everton F.C. season
During the 2002–03 English football season, Everton competed in the Premier League (known as the Barclaycard Premiership for sponsorship reasons). They became the first club to play 100 seasons in England's top division this season.


2002–03 Everton F.C. season, Season summary
After spending the last few seasons struggling against relegation, Everton, revitalised under David Moyes, spent the season challenging for European qualification, at one stage going ahead of arch-rivals Liverpool, who had finished runners-up the previous season. Everton memorably ended Arsenal's unbeaten run in a match at Goodison Park which saw teenage striker Wayne Rooney score the winner, his debut Premiership goal. Rooney was later nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, but lost to Newcastle United's Jermaine Jenas.


2002–03 Everton F.C. season, Season summary
The club had less luck in the FA Cup. They were surprisingly knocked out by Third Division (now League Two) side Shrewsbury Town in the third round.


2002–03 Everton F.C. season, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Everton F.C. season, First-team squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Everton F.C. season, Reserve squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FA Cup
The 2002–03 FA Cup was the 122nd staging of the world's oldest cup competition, the FA Cup. The competition was won by Arsenal with a 1–0 victory in the final at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff against Southampton, courtesy of a Robert Pires goal.


2002–03 FA Cup, First round proper
At this stage the 48 Second and Third Division clubs joined the 32 non-league clubs who came through the qualifying rounds.


2002–03 FA Cup, First round proper
The matches were scheduled to be played on the weekend of Saturday, 16 November 2002, with replays in the week commencing 25 November.


2002–03 FA Cup, Second round proper
The matches were scheduled to be played on the weekend of Saturday, 7 December 2002, with replays in the week commencing 16 December.


2002–03 FA Cup, Third round proper
This round was the first in which Division 1 and Premier League (top-flight) teams entered the competition. The matches were scheduled to be played on the weekend of Saturday, 4 January 2003, with replays in the week commencing 13 January.


2002–03 FA Cup, Third round proper
Shrewsbury, who ended the season with relegation from the Football League, achieved the biggest upset of the round (if not the whole competition), with a surprise 2–1 win over an Everton side who were pushing for a place in Europe and featuring a 17-year-old striker called Wayne Rooney – one of the most promising young players in the game.


2002–03 FA Cup, Sixth round proper
Holders Arsenal moved closer to retaining the trophy by beating Chelsea 3–1 in a replay that followed a 2–2 draw. They were paired in the semi-finals with Sheffield United, while the other semi-final would be contested between Southampton and Watford.


2002–03 FA Cup, Semi-finals
For the 11th season running, the FA Cup final would be contested by top division clubs – Arsenal and Southampton. Their semi-final opponents (Sheffield United and Watford respectively) were both Division One sides.


2002–03 FA Cup, Final
The final took place on Saturday, 17 May 2003 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and ended 1–0 with a goal by Robert Pires separating the sides.


2002–03 FA Cup, Final
It was the third consecutive year the final was played at the Millennium Stadium, due to the ongoing reconstruction of Wembley Stadium, the final's usual venue. There were 73,726 spectators at the game. Arsenal retained the trophy, winning it for the ninth time in their history – a record second only to that of Manchester United.


2002–03 FA Cup, Final
It was also Southampton's first FA Cup final since 1976, when they won the trophy for the only time to date.


2002–03 FA Cup qualifying rounds
The 2002–03 FA Cup Qualifying Rounds opened the 122nd season of competition in England for 'The Football Association Challenge Cup' (FA Cup), the world's oldest association football single knockout competition.


2002–03 FA Cup qualifying rounds
The large number of clubs entering the tournament from lower down (Levels 5 through 10) in the English football pyramid meant that the competition started with six rounds of preliminary (2) and qualifying (4) knockouts for these non-League teams. The 32 winning teams from Fourth Round Qualifying progressed to the First Round Proper, where League teams tiered at Levels 3 and 4 entered the competition.


2002–03 FA Cup qualifying rounds, 2002–03 FA Cup
See 2002-03 FA Cup for details of the rounds from the First Round Proper onwards.


2002–03 FA Premier League
The 2002–03 FA Premier League (known as the FA Barclaycard Premiership for sponsorship reasons) was the 11th season of the Premier League, the top division in English football. The first matches were played on 17 August 2002 and the last were played on 11 May 2003.


2002–03 FA Premier League
Manchester United ended the campaign as champions for the eighth time in eleven years – an achievement made all the more remarkable by the fact that defending champions Arsenal had been in the lead by eight points on 2 March. After defeating Birmingham at the start of the season, Arsenal equalled a top-flight record of fourteen straight wins but failed to extend it in their next game at West Ham United, being held to a 2–2 draw.


2002–03 FA Premier League
They remained unbeaten for 30 Premier League games, 23 of which were played away, until late October, and scored in a record 55 consecutive league games, beating the previous record of 47 set by Chesterfield during the 1930-31 Third Division North season. This run ended at Old Trafford on 7 December 2002, when Manchester United won 2–0. Arsenal then threw away a priceless lead against Bolton Wanderers and finally surrendered the title with a 3–2 home defeat to Leeds United in their antepenultimate game of the season, a result that also saved Leeds from relegation.


2002–03 FA Premier League
Newcastle United and Chelsea were the remaining Champions League qualifiers, at the expense of Liverpool who had to settle for the UEFA Cup; they would be joined in Europe by Blackburn Rovers for a second successive season, along with Southampton who were back in Europe for the first time since 1984.


2002–03 FA Premier League
At the bottom end of the table, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland were relegated to the Football League First Division; West Ham's 42 points from a 38-game season was a record for a relegated team. Promoted to replace them were 2002–03 Football League First Division champions Portsmouth, runners-up Leicester City, and play-off winner Wolverhampton Wanderers.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Teams
Twenty teams competed in the league – the top seventeen teams from the previous season and the three teams promoted from the First Division. The promoted teams were Manchester City (immediately returning after a season's absence), West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City (both teams returning to the top flight after a sixteen-year absence). This was also both West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City's first season in the Premier League. They replaced Ipswich Town (relegated after two seasons in the top flight), Derby County and Leicester City (both teams relegated after a six-year presence).


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, PFA Players' Player of the Year
The PFA Players' Player of the Year award for 2003 was won by Thierry Henry of Arsenal. This was the Frenchman's first award of the season and he beat off competition from the previous winner Ruud van Nistelrooy.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, PFA Players' Player of the Year
The shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, in alphabetical order, was as follows:


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, PFA Young Player of the Year
The PFA Young Player of the Year award was won by Jermaine Jenas of Newcastle United. Wayne Rooney was voted runner-up, and John O'Shea finished third in one of his first full seasons as a United player.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Manager of the Year
The Premier League Manager of the Year award was won by Sir Alex Ferguson for winning his eighth title and regaining the league after a superb second half to the season, involving an 18-match unbeaten run.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Player of the Year
The Premier League Player of the Year award was given to Ruud van Nistelrooy, whose form, creativity and goals all helped Manchester United regain the league from Arsenal.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Golden Boot
The Premier League Golden Boot award was also won by Ruud van Nistelrooy who scored 25 goals in 38 league matches and 44 in all competitions. He also equalled his record of eight goals in eight successive matches at the beginning of the season, a milestone he had reached the previous season. Van Nistelrooy finished one goal ahead of Arsenal's Thierry Henry while James Beattie managed 23 league goals for Southampton.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Golden Gloves
The Premier League Golden Gloves award was given to Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, who proved vital in their quest for UEFA Champions League football. He kept twelve clean sheets – the most in the season – and only conceded 35 goals. Viewers of ITV's On the Ball voted Cudicini, ahead of Southampton keeper Antti Niemi, and Blackburn Rovers' Brad Friedel.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Goal of the Season
The annual award was won by a wonder goal from Thierry Henry against Tottenham Hotspur, on 16 November 2002, voted by viewers of ITV's The Premiership.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Goal of the Season
Henry – chance for a break out, Wiltord to his right, Bergkamp to his left...they'll do well to catch up with Thierry Henry though...he's drifted away from Carr – HENRY! What a fabulous solo goal by Thierry Henry. A long distance goal followed by a long distance celebration...and Arsenal are back in the goalscoring business, after their midweek blank.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Goal of the Season
Henry's been short of a goal or two just recently...but look at the confidence as he breaks from inside his own half, shrugging off Etherington, stepping away from Carr and from King...and picking his spot – he had options...but he had eyes for only one thing – the back of Kasey Keller's net. Thierry Henry moves into double figures for the season.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Goal of the Season
The French striker picked up the ball from his side of the pitch and ran almost 30 yards (27 m), twisting and turning the Spurs defence to unleash a thunderous shot. In celebration, he ran the distance of the whole pitch and skidded in front of the Spurs faithful. The goal proved important as it helped them regain their position at the top of the Premiership from Liverpool.


2002–03 FA Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Fair Play Award
The Premier League Fair Play Award was won by Manchester United.


2002–03 FA Trophy
The 2002–03 FA Trophy is the thirty-fifth season of the FA Trophy.


2002–03 FA Trophy, Final
The final was played at Villa Park, Birmingham, on Sunday 18 May 2003.


2002–03 FA Women's Premier League, National Division
1Deducted 1 point for fielding ineligible player (Jess Wright) against Charlton Athletic on October 23, 2002.


2002–03 FA Women's Premier League, Southern Division
1 - Newport County changed its name to Merthyr Tydfil.


2002–03 FA Women's Premier League, Southern Division
2 - while Barry Town (relegated from the first level) folded before the season began.


2002–03 FAW Premier Cup
The 2002–03 FAW Premier Cup was the sixth season of the tournament since its founding in 1997.


2002–03 FC Barcelona season
During the 2002–03 season, Futbol Club Barcelona competed in La Liga.


2002–03 FC Barcelona season, Season summary
The 2002–03 season was the final year of president Joan Gaspart's reign. It was also his least successful at Barcelona, with the club changing manager three times during the course of the season, disrupting the league campaign. The club eventually finished in sixth place in La Liga, which was Barça's worst position in 15 years. In the Copa del Rey, the side failed to get past the round of 32. In Europe, however, they fared slightly better, reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and setting a competition record for the most consecutive wins, with 11. Overall, the team's form was poor all season, which spurred wholesale changes in management, the board and squad of players.


2002–03 FC Barcelona season, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FC Basel season
The 2002–03 season was Fussball Club Basel 1893's 110th season and the club's 9th consecutive season in the Nationalliga A, the top flight of Swiss football. Basel played their home games in the newly constructed St. Jakob-Park complex. René C. Jäggi had been the club chairman for previous six seasons, but stood down at the AGM in October and businessman Werner Edelmann was elected as new chairman.


2002–03 FC Basel season
As reigning double holders, the club's goals for the 2002–03 season were to retain the Swiss Nationalliga A and cup titles. They also strived to stay in the Champions League as long as possible, and to reach the group stage.


2002–03 FC Basel season
Basel ended the domestic league season as runners-up and Swiss Cup winners. They also reached the second group stage of the Champions League.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Overview
As reigning champions, Basel were favourites to win the domestic championship title. They also entered the 2002–03 Champions League in the second qualifying round.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Overview
Basel's biggest pre-season signings were Julio Hernán Rossi from Lugano, Antonio Esposito from St. Étienne and Bernt Haas on loan from West Bromwich Albion. Alessandro Iandoli advanced to the first team from the U-21 team. In the other direction, Massimo Ceccaroni retired from his professional career. Ceccaroni is still considered to be a cult figure in Basel, not only because of his loyalty to the club (having spent 25 years at the club) but because he never scored a goal in the top flight of Swiss football.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Overview
The Swiss Football Association (ASF-SFV) were changing the format of the domestic league. Since the 1987–88 Nationalliga A season there were 24 teams in the Nationalliga, 12 in the Nationalliga A and 12 in the Nationalliga B. In the first stage, there was a qualifying phase played as double round-robin. In the second phase, the top eight clubs played a further double round-robin for the championship. The last eight teams played against relegation to the amateur league and the last four teams from the top-level played a promotion/relegation round for the top tier in the following season. This was to be the last season in this format. The new format would reduce the number of clubs to 20, with ten teams in the top tier and ten in the second tier. Therefore, this year there were additional relegations.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Overview
As stated, Basel were favourites to win the domestic championship title. Their clear aim for the season was in first priority to win the championship, second priority to win the Swiss Cup and furthermore, their head-coach Christian Gross set the priority that the team should reach the group stage of the Champions League.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Overview
The Nationalliga A season began on 6 July, 2002 with an away game against Aarau and the Champions League qualifying started on 31 July with the away tie against Žilina. In the Swiss Cup, all the league teams had a bye and were qualified for the round of 32 which was to take place on 22 February 2003.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Friendly games
Basel started the season off with various warm-up matches. Their opponents included teams from the Swiss lower league as well as a team from Brazil and PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands. During the summer, Basel visited a training camp in America and played three matches against teams from the USL Premier Development League and Major League Soccer. Basel entered the Sempione Cup, which was played in Balsthal. The club won the first match against Austrian team SK Rapid Wien 3–0 and the second match against Slovakian team Inter Bratislava 2–0. Basel were placed second in the final classification.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Domestic league
The season started well for Basel and they were undefeated in their first seven matches, winning five and drawing two of them. They lost in the two following games and Basel slipped down in the league table, but they regrouped to win nine and draw two of the following eleven games. A 1–2 home defeat against Grasshopper Club cost them the lead in the league table. Grasshoppers ended the league qualifying stage as table leaders at the winter break.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Domestic league
Curiosity during the championship play-off round was that in the home match in the St. Jakob-Park on 19 April 2003, Hakan Yakin had a good game and scored a perfect hat-trick during the first half of the game as Basel won 3–0 against Young Boys. Yakin showed his other side in the return match in the Stadion Neufeld in Bern one week later. As Young Boys went a goal up Yakin lost his temper and kicked the ball away, thus collecting a yellow card. Just ten minutes later he committed a rough foul, collecting a second yellow card. By rule, a player that receives two yellow cards in one game is issued a red card and ejected for the remainder of the match. Thus, Yakin was sent-off.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Domestic league
In the championship playoff round, Basel lost just two away games, winning 10 of 14 games. But because both ties against the Grasshoppers were drawn, the Zurich-based club managed to snatch the title by a single point at the end of the season. The Grasshoppers remained undefeated in the championship group.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Domestic cup
In the Swiss Cup, all the league teams had a bye and qualified for the round of 32. Basel won away at lower league team Yverdon-Sport. In the round of 16, Basel were drawn at home against Servette, who they eliminated. For the quarter-finals, Basel were drawn away against Young Boys (YB). Despite an early two-goal lead, YB turned the game and took the lead until Hervé Tum equalised. In extra time, Hakan Yakin scored the deciding goal. Basel defeated lower-league club Schaffhausen 3–0 in the semi-final. The final, played in the St. Jakob-Park against Neuchâtel Xamax, was a one-sided affair. Basel won 6–0 and won the domestic cup, achieving their aim.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
In the second qualifying round of the Champions League, Basel were drawn against Slovakian club Žilina, and after a 1–1 draw in the first leg, came away with a 4–1 win on aggregate. The first leg was played in the Štadión pod Dubňom in Žilina on 31 July 2002. Miroslav Barčík put the home team a goal up after just 29 minutes, but Basel then put on the pressure and Marián Klago could not help but score an own goal just nine minutes later.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
In the return leg in St. Jakob-Park on 7 August 2002, Basel played a better and faster game. Christian Giménez put them a goal ahead after just 11 minutes and Murat Yakin doubled their lead 12 minutes later. Basel then controlled the game. It was again Giménez who netted soon after the half-time break and, from here on, the game seemed to be settled. Vladimír Staš scored a consolation goal for the visitors ten minutes from time.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
In the third qualifying round, Basel faced Scottish giants Celtic on 14 August. In the first leg, away at Celtic Park, the home side won 3–1. After just 92 seconds, Christian Giménez stunned the home crowd with a goal for the visitors. Murat Yakin slid a nice pass through to striker Gimenez, who pushed the ball under the advancing goalkeeper Rab Douglas. However, Celtic equalised a few seconds later from the penalty spot. Swedish international Henrik Larsson played a pass between the defenders through to Stilian Petrov, who was fouled by Swiss international Marco Zwyssig.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
The Swede himself stepped forward and shot his penalty kick past Pascal Zuberbühler into the bottom corner of the goal. The teams were level until, in the second half, Celtic applied more pressure. Chris Sutton missed his first chance, but he netted and put the home team ahead just two minutes later. Basel reacted and had a few chances, but Celtic held their lead and, two minutes from time, Mohammed Sylla hit a fine volley to give Celtic their victory.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
The second leg at St. Jakob-Park was on 28 August. Basel started the game at a high tempo and Celtic could have been a goal behind after just three minutes, but midfielder Paul Lambert stretched his leg out to block a close range shot from Ivan Ergic. Celtic was caught out by the pace and the clever move from the home side in the eighth minute.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
Hakan Yakin had the ball played to him as he ran to the goal line and he then played a left-footed reverse pass to split the visiting defence and this allowed Christian Giménez to race through and his right-footed shot passed below goalkeeper Rab Douglas. The Glasgow side could have levelled soon after, but Henrik Larsson's firm header went straight into Basel keeper Pascal Zuberbuhler arms from just five yards out. Celtic started the match with an unfamiliar back four and with four midfielders.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
Without the extra width which is provided by their normal 3-5-2 formation, they lacked their usual threat when going forward. The home team, backed by a noisy capacity crowd, had their heads up and they were soon rewarded with another goal. Murat Yakin jumped higher than both Bobo Baldé and Ulrik Laursen to head home a corner kick after 22 minutes. Celtic made two substitutions at half time, Didier Agathe and Steve Guppy coming on to play on the flanks in their usual formation and the Scots were immediately on the offensive.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
First a deflected shot from Stilian Petrov went narrowly wide, then Henrik Larsson's shot was blocked. Celtic were denied a goal by the resolute Basel defence. With determination and drive, Celtic were in charge of the game for long periods in the second half. However, they struggled to create good goal-scoring chances. Chris Sutton's header made at the near post was easily saved by goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler and a wide range shot from Mohammed Sylla was harmless and easily dealt with by the keeper as well.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
Substitute John Hartson had the best chance in the 71st minute, but Zuberbuhler's right hand blocked the close-range header. In the final minute of added time, a Sutton shot passed just inches wide of the left goalpost, but this was the end of the Celtic siege on the Swiss side's goal. Basel were able to rescue the tie in the return match, coming away with a 2–0 victory, to draw 3–3 on aggregate. Basel thus proceeded to the group stage on the away goals rule.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Qualifying rounds
Basel's success saw them become only the second Swiss team ever to play in the modern Champions League. Celtic's defeat meant that they would continue in the 2002–03 UEFA Cup, entering in the First round and eventually progressing to the final.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
In the group stage Basel were drawn in Group B along with Valencia, Liverpool and Spartak Moscow.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
Matchday 1 of the group stage gave Basel a home match against Spartak Moscow on 17 September, cheered on by a sell-out crowd of close to 30,000. Julio Hernán Rossi gave Spartak their first scare in the 15th minute as he sent a header into the net past Stanislav Cherchesov, but Basel's Argentine striker was ruled offside. In the 23rd minute, Murat Yakin headed the ball against the post after a corner. Thirty seconds later his younger brother, Hakan Yakin, had his first chance, but he headed the ball just wide of Cherchesov's goal.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
In the 43rd minute, Hakan was again on target with a bicycle kick, but keeper Cherchesov caught it. After the half-time break, Basel were still showing that they were in control. In the 50th minute, Hakan Yakin put FC Basel on the path to victory, catching on to Christian Eduardo Giménez's pass to shoot left-footed into the net. Five minutes later, Rossi was able to dribble around the Spartak defence and place his shot beyond keeper Cherchesov to give his team a two-goal lead. Rossi narrowly missed the goal as he made a header that hit the crossbar in the 70th minute. The visitors were missing their injured captain, Yegor Titov, Basel dominated nearly all the match and still had a number of near misses later in the match.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
Basel travelled to Anfield on match day 2 on 25 September to claim a 1–1 draw against Liverpool. Above everything, the noise created by the 3,500 Basel fans amongst the total 37,634 spectators before, during and after the match remains one of the most memorable things about this match. Liverpool were quickly into the game and created two or three good chances in the first quarter of an hour, but they were only warming up the Basel goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler, who was having a good day.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
The visitors then battled back into the game, but the home team remained in charge. Liverpool's new signing Milan Baroš scored with his first attempt on goal in the 34th minute and this was to be the only time that Zuberbühler was beaten. Julio Hernán Rossi equalised shortly before the break and this was to be the only really good chance that the visitors created. Leverpool pressed for the win in the second half, but whenever central defenders Alexandre Quennoz or Murat Yakin made a mistake, keeper Zuberbühler stood firm on the line to save the day for his team.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
It rained all day on 2 October on Spain's south-eastern coast and minutes before the kick-off of the match in the only half full Mestalla Stadium between Valencia and Basel it started to pour. It poured throughout the entire game. The hosts coped better with the near irregular circumstances and understood how to keep the ball in the air and off the sloggy ground. Hardly properly organized and not at all coping with the countless pools of water spread all over the pitch, Basel's game was hopelessly lost and very soon all that was needed was damage limitation.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
It was a thankless and difficult task for the visitors against the completely unleashed Spaniards, who kept the ball and opponents running. John Carew in the 10th and again in the 14th minute put the hosts two goals up. Fábio Aurélio added the third after 17 minutes and Rubén Baraja added the fourth even before the match was half an hour old. Playing without self-confidence, it was not surprising that the Basel forwards never appeared dangerously in front of goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares throughout the entire the first half.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
Only after the break and some clear words from coach Christian Gross were the FCB players able to absorb something. Carlos Varela came on for defender Timothée Atouba and he appeared alone in front of Cañizares after just a few seconds. The Spanish International keeper managed to clear, but was powerless against Julio Hernán Rossi's quick reaction second shot. But the locals quickly shifted their attention to the other side.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
Miguel Ángel Angulo hit the lower edge of the bar in the 49th minute and Mista saw his shot cleared off the goal line by captain Murat Yakin, before it struck in again behind the powerless Pascal Zuberbühler. Pablo Aimar and Mista increased to make it 6–1 for the home team. The biggest FCB defeat in the European Cup after the 0–5 against Celtic Glasgow 38 years earlier seemed to be on its way. But thanks to the late strike by Hakan Yakin, at least this disgrace could still be averted. After two good results Basel were brought back down to earth by a 6–2 demolition against Valencia.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
However, Basel bounced back and held Valencia to a 2–2 draw on matchday 4 in the St. Jakob-Park three weeks later. Valencia had already qualified for the second group stage and played with a kind of B team and this time the FCB team was ready for the game. Basel controlled the game from the first minutes, not creating too many chances, but pinning the visitors into their own half. Ivan Ergić eventually put the home team a goal up in the 32nd minute. But Valencia reacted immediately and only four minutes later Rubén Baraja levelled the score.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
In the second half the visitors were more in charge and after 72 minutes Curro Torres put them ahead. This time the home team reacted and played good moves towards captain and keeper Santiago Cañizares who had to deal with a few dangerous shots. However, he was beaten by an Ergić shot in the last minute of regular time and the added injury time passed without a change in the score.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
Basel had slipped from second place in the group to third, as Liverpool had won both games against Spartak. Basel needed to win at least one of their last two games and needed Liverpool to fail to pick up more than two points. In matchday five, Liverpool lost 1–0 to Valencia and Basel played away against Spartak at the Luzhniki Stadium. Basel started well into the match, but had a shock as Antonio Esposito injured himself in the early minutes and was replaced by Timothée Atouba.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
Nevertheless, they did not lose their concentration and Julio Hernán Rossi put them one up after 18 minutes. Spartak then had more of the game pressing forward but not really troubling the Basel back four. In total they had five corner kicks and 12 attempts at goal. Basel played looking for counter-attacks, but were caught off-side 11 times. Two minutes before the end of time the counter-attack was well played and Christian Giménez went clear to put the ball passed keeper Maksym Levytskyi to secure the 2–0 victory.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
Basel were sitting in second place in the group table, but their place in the last 16 was all but secured, although all they had to do was to make sure they did not lose to Liverpool in the last game of the first group stage. Basel prepared themselves for this match with a training camp in the Black Forest, where the schedule was composed of videos, lectures and quizzing of the players. The team must have felt they were being introduced into a cult and if so, they emerged from this with enthusiasm and eagerness of true believers.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
Liverpool, on the other hand, were initially engulfed by a crisis of good faith. The Liverpool coach Gérard Houllier's strategy proved to be founded on a slight misconception and knowing that he had to win, he persuaded himself that he could afford to leave out the calm player Salif Diao in the interests of fielding a more expressive line-up from the beginning.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
The game began for Liverpool in the worst possible manor. In the second minute, Danny Murphy lost the ball to Antonio Esposito, who immediately beat the offside trap with a well played diagonal pass to Hakan Yakin. Yakin's low, but fast cross ball bounced inconveniently in the middle of the penalty area, but the earnest thinking Julio Hernan Rossi, who had also scored at Anfield, converted Yakin's pass perfectly. The only Liverpool effort to be remembered in the first half was a good drive by Emile Heskey that Pascal Zuberbühler tipped over the crossbar after 10 minutes.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
There was a superb move before Basel's second goal. Rossi moved to the right and then played a square pass towards Christian Giménez. The Liverpool back four just watched in awe as Giménez burst through to take the ball and snip it past keeper Jerzy Dudek. In the 29th minute, Dudek parried Yakin's free-kick, only for Timothée Atouba to net the rebound. The home supporters were singing loudly before the goal and after it the noise was deafening and never ending. Basel's attacks were reducing Liverpool reputations decisively and especially in the midfield area the visitors were powerless.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
Liverpool fought back, but the road to parity was steep. However, Liverpool climbed it well with impressive purpose and immense strength as the Basel team became tired. Salif Diao was substituted in for a poor Steven Gerrard and he restored the teams order and, after an hour, began the build-up that saw Murphy finish accurately after being neatly teed up by midfielder Vladimir Smicer. Smicer then added a goal of his own after 64 minutes, stretching himself to the limit to force home a pass from Milan Baros.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
As Murat Yakin then handled a low ball on the ground, with Michael Owen swerving passed him, there was almost euphoria. Owen himself took the penalty, Zuberbühler blocked this, but Owen pushed in the loose ball. Nevertheless, the home crowd were still singing their songs very loud and the score remained at 3–3 right up until the final whistle. Basel thus qualified for the next round.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, First group stage
As third placed team in the group, Liverpool continued in the 2002–03 UEFA Cup and entered in the final phase. Here they would advance to the Quarter-finals, where they were drawn against and knocked out by Celtic, who, in their turn, were to advance to the final to play against Porto.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
In the last 16, Basel were drawn into group D together with Manchester United, Juventus and Deportivo de La Coruña. Basel were now quite renowned for their early pressing and their goals in the opening minutes. They had achieved an early goal against Žilina, one in both games against Celtic, as well as one against Spartak Moscow, before their second-minute goal against Liverpool. In addition to this, they also achieved an early lead in eight of their 20 domestic league matches up until this time, so the opponents were warned.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
As expected the matchday 1 game on 26 November 2002 between Manchester United and Basel started extraordinarily fast. Immediately after the kick-off, Basel's Julio Hernán Rossi sprinted into the United penalty area and forced a clearance from Wes Brown, after Basel captain Murat Yakin had played a precise long ball. Hakan Yakin curled in the corner ball and Rossi placed a fine header low, near the goalpost. This was brilliantly headed off the line by Quinton Fortune.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
But the ball landed by Scott Chipperfield and his fierce shot was deflected in by Christian Giminez past the helpless Fabien Barthez after just 31 seconds. Sir Alex Ferguson looked on in disgust from the sidelines, he had warned his players. Hakan Yakin was denied the second goal after he ran amok, dribbling around the United defenders, turning them inside out. Just one minute later he did the thing again and set up Rossi, whose shot was saved in extremis by keeper Barthez.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
Not even one minute later Juan Verón gave the ball away to Gimenez, he didn't make much effort to try and to get it back, and the goal-scorer tried to chip Barthez. As the Frenchman back-pedaled furiously, the ball landed on the roof of the goal. Basel remained in control and Paul Scholes was lucky to get away with just a yellow card after he first fouled Hakan Yakin and then Mario Cantaluppi. Seconds after the booking, Scholes lunged in again with a terribly clumsy tackle on Ivan Ergić and he remained very fortunate not to have been sent off.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
After the break United were better into the game. A fine cross from Ole Gunnar Solskjær was met nicely by Ruud van Nistelrooy's forehead and the ball ended in the net. One minute later van Nistelrooy again. From the narrowest of angles, because he was stood on the by-line, he slotted the ball past Pascal Zuberbühler in the Basel goal. Six minutes later Solskjaer added his own name to the scorers' list with a low hard shot between Zubi's legs. The game was decided at this moment and Basel suffered a 1–3 defeat.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
After heavy snowfalls in and around Turin, the matchday 2 game on 11 December suffered from the poor pitch and in the early stages also from heavy fog. The hosts Juventus probably had the better X-ray vision and took a 1–0 lead after a header relay between Mark Iuliano and David Trezeguet in the 3rd minute. However, the Swiss were able to recover quickly from the early deficit and determined the game for the next quarter of an hour, but Christian Giménez in particular was unable to take advantage of the chances they had created.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
But then the Italians were back almost as if at the push of a button and appeared dangerous time and time in front of the box of Basel goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler. In the 34th minute the time had come and just as Basel seemed to be getting the better, Paolo Montero was spot on and dusted off to make it 2–0. Zuberbühler was only able to take off a Alessandro Del Piero free kick. Shortly before the end of the first half, Alessio Tacchinardi increased with a long-range shot to a befitting 3-0 break lead.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
The second half also saw Basel going forward, but the Italians scored the next goal. Pavel Nedvěd fell in the penalty area, referee Lucílio Batista imposed a not undisputed penalty, but Del Piero made it 4–0. At least one cannot blame Basel for saying goodbye to the game. The outsider fought against the debacle with great morale and continued to look for their chance to get at least the consolation goal. However, their fast counterattacks mostly came to an end at the edge of the penalty area, but the final pass rarely reached its goal with the vigilant Juve defense. Shots from the second row were never a problem for goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The result was an unpleasant 0–4 defeat for Basel.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
Matchday 3 was after the winter break and took place on 19 February 2003 with Basel at home in the St. Jakob-Park against Deportivo de La Coruña. Again the match started fast and Christian Gross's Basel team made attempts for an early goal. But, first Javier Irureta's Deportivo could have taken the lead twice. Basel captain Murat Yakin together with midfielder Mario Cantaluppi were able to calm things down and Basel took control of the match after about 15 minutes and they pressed forwards.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
However, it wasn't until the 30th minute before they had their first really good chance, Christian Giménez failed against goalkeeper Juanmi. Only a few seconds later Hakan Yakin also had a chance at goal and he ended things better, putting the hosts 1-0 up. From here on the game was very tactical, neither team wanting to make a mistake. Basel could have increased their lead two or three times, but Deportivo could have equalised, but weren't as commanding. The game ended with the one nil victory for the home team and they managed to give themselves hope of reaching the quarter-finals by winning.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
The return match was played just six days later on 25 February in Estadio Riazor in A Coruña. Deportivo were again ready for the quick starting visitors, whose first chance in the second minute was blocked. Again Basel came forward, but the chance was foiled early and the hosts had a well played counterattack. Diego Tristán ran clear and was able to put his side a goal up in the fourth minute. Deportivo then controlled their defensive area, allowing Basel freedom in mid-field.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
The match was played tactically by the home side and the visitors, with their goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler as captain for the injured Murat Yakin, could not find the space that they would have liked, against the well defending opponents. During the early minutes of the second period Basel created their best chances, but it soon became apparent that they were tiring. Deportivo controlled the last twenty, twenty-five minutes easily and won the game 1–0, which put them into third position in the table with four points, above their opponents who had just three points.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
Arguably two of Basel's greatest ever European games, up until here, came next. First, they held Manchester United to a 1–1 draw at Old Trafford on 12 March. Despite having achieved just one victory and having scored only two goals in the first four matches of the second group stage, Basel were only a point behind the duo Deportivo and Juventus. Victory over United, who had already assured their automatic qualification for the knock-out stage, would set up an epic finish as Basel would entertain Juventus for the last match of the group. Head coach Christian Gross had been thorough with his planning before the trip to Manchester. The team flew early to England, on the day after their weekend league win over Servette, to avoid the temptation of a player's visit to the local Fasnacht.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
Well over 3,000 Basel fans had made the journey to support their team in the theatre of dreams; 23 charter planes arrived at Manchester airport that day alone. The entire fan block were in their sector, singing and chanting, well over an hour before kick-off. The Basel team, being pushed on by their fans, started fast and furious, creating three early chances before United had their first. In the 14th minute, Christian Giménez controlled a cross with this chest and right footed a volley beyond keeper Roy Carroll, who played in place of regular goalie Fabien Barthez.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
United tried to react, but failed in their attempt to pressurise the Basel defense, and it was the guests who were dominating the match. Manager Alex Ferguson had also given the regulars David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes a break by leaving them on the Bench, at the same time giving Kieran Richardson his debut for the team. The United manager was getting increasingly irritated by the team's performance and at half time he brought on Giggs.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
In the 53rd minute, a wide ranged, left-footed shot from captain Gary Neville was unluckily deflected beyond Zuberbühler to level the score. But, despite this, Basel were playing better and were closer to taking the lead again. Ferguson reacted in the 73rd minute—he brought on Beckham and Scholes in an attempt to win the match. During the last few minutes Basel had another two or three chances but the 1–1 draw remained the final score.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
The situation before matchday six of this second group stage was clear. United were group winners and Juventus were three points clear of the duo Basel and Deportivo, Basel needed at least a four-goal victory at St. Jakob-Park on 18 March to overtake their matchday opponents and go through to the next round. Referee was the German Wolfgang Stark and the stadium was sold-out with over 30,500 spectators. The Italians had the better start and on ten minutes as the visitors broke through, Cristian Zenoni fed Alessio Tacchinardi, whose left-footed long range shot gave keeper Pascal Zuberbühler no chance.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
This only doubled Basel's determination and they reacted well and put on the pressure immediately, having two good chances within a short time. Hakan Yakin, with a clever chip, forced keeper Gianluigi Buffon to tip the ball wide of the post and he also had to make a save against a shot from Scott Chipperfield. After 38 minutes Basel were deservedly level. A sloppy clearance from Mark Iuliano was caught and pushed on by Christian Giménez and Mario Cantaluppi reacted quickly to volley home his first Champions League goal.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
Hakan Yakin again forced Buffon to make another fine save so that Juventus could hold on before half-time. In the second period Basel continued to dominate the match. Sébastien Barberis' shot, just three minutes into the second half, went narrowly over the bar. Juventus continued to defend their area in numbers, but, at the other end, Pavel Nedved remained a threat. Swiss international Hakan Yakin had a good chance as he pounced on a poor clearance in front of goal from Lilian Thuram, but a quick reacting Iuliano ensured that the Yakin could not get full contact.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Second group stage
Basel went even closer following a corner after 67 minutes, but a Giménez's header hit the crossbar. Juventus looked stronger after this, but in the second and final minute of added time, Basel forced their tenth corner. Cantaluppi's corner kick was flicked on by Chipperfield and Giménez volleyed the ball over the line and his side claimed a 2–1 victory.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Campaign, Champions League, Conclusion
The victory meant that Basel finished the second group stage level on points with both Juventus and the Spanish Deportivo La Coruña. But in the six games between the three level teams, Juventus' better points tally meant that they continued to the quarter-finals. Despite being knock-out on tie-breaking criteria, Basel had achieved their seasons European aim easily. During this season's impressive Champions League run, it brought them much acknowledgement and praise. It has also earnt the club well over 20 million Swiss Francs in performance bonuses. This additional intake should keep Basel in touch with all the other Swiss league contenders, but this amount remains petty cash when compared with the finances of other teams, such as Real Madrid, Juventus or Manchester United.


2002–03 FC Basel season, First team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FC Basel season, First team squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Transfers, Summer, In
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Transfers, Summer, Out
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Transfers, Winter, Out
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Results, Nationalliga A, Qualification phase
The Qualification round to the 2002–03 league season was contested by twelve teams. The eight teams at the top of the table at the end of the regular season (or qualification) were then to compete in the championship play-off round.


2002–03 FC Basel season, Results, Nationalliga A, Championship round
The first eight teams of the regular season (or Qualification) competed in the Championship Playoff Round. They took half of the points (rounded up to complete units) gained in the Qualification as Bonus with them.


2002–03 FC Bayern Munich season
FC Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga and the German domestic cup, following a season without trophies in the year before. Despite the 16-point margin to the second-placed VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, the season was not regarded as a complete success due to a humiliating run in the UEFA Champions League, where the club earned only two points from six matches.


2002–03 FC Bayern Munich season
Even though it arguably had the toughest group of all, with Milan, Deportivo de La Coruña and Lens as opponents, early elimination was still not expected with signings such as Michael Ballack, Zé Roberto and Sebastian Deisler, and incumbents such as the 2002 FIFA World Cup's player of the tournament Oliver Kahn in the squad.


2002–03 FC Bayern Munich season, Results, Bundesliga, League results
Source: 1Bayern Munich goals come first. Ground's country's flag and opponent's country's flag shown when from a different country of Bayern Munich. Pos . = Position in league, Pts. = Points, GD = Goal difference, Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.


2002–03 FC Bayern Munich season, Reserve team
Bayern's reserve team finished 4th in the Regionalliga Süd and were coached by Hermann Gerland.


2002–03 FC Bayern Munich season, Reserve team
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FC Dinamo București season
The 2002–03 season was FC Dinamo București's 54th season in Divizia A. In this season, Dinamo was affected again by the big number of players who left the team, which became a tradition for the bosses of the club to sell players after winning a title. Thus, Dinamo was again facing another reconstruction. They started the season badly, losing the two games in the UEFA Champions League qualifying phase, and leaving early the European competitions. Cornel Dinu was sacked after this two losses. In Divizia A Dinamo had hard times, changing a lot of managers and losing seven consecutive games.


2002–03 FC Dinamo București season
The team finished the season on the sixth position. A momentum of the season came in November, in the Romanian Cup, last 16, where Dinamo met the biggest rival Steaua. Dinamo won 3-0 the game played at the Cotroceni stadium. After Ioan Andone came to the team, Dinamo played a spectacular semifinal with Astra Ploieşti. They lost the first game, 2–1 in Ploieşti in the middle of the crisis, but then the team beat Astra in Bucharest 3-1 after extra time. They then went on to win the Romanian Cup, after beating FC Naţional in the final 1–0 on a goal scored by Iulian Tameş.


2002–03 FC Dinamo București season, Squad
Goalkeepers: Cristian Munteanu (20/0), Daniel Tudor (6/0), Ştefan Preda (7/0).


2002–03 FC Dinamo București season, Squad
Defenders: Angelo Alistar (1/0), Ovidiu Burcă (12/0), Alexandru Marius Dragomir (3/0), Cornel Frăsineanu (17/1), Bogdan Onuț (21/1), Gheorghe Popescu (8/0), Dorin Semeghin (1/0), Flavius Stoican (21/0), Iosif Tâlvan (10/0), Gabriel Tamaş (21/3).


2002–03 FC Dinamo București season, Squad
Midfielders: Dan Alexa (24/0), Mugur Bolohan (6/0), Ciprian Danciu (4/0), Ştefan Grigorie (23/2), Giani Kiriţă (23/1), Vlad Munteanu (21/2), Florin Pârvu (19/0), Florentin Petre (25/2), Iulian Tameş (20/2).


2002–03 FC Dinamo București season, Squad
Forwards: Cosmin Bărcăuan (23/12), Ionel Dănciulescu (26/16), Claudiu Drăgan (12/0), Ciprian Marica (10/1), Nicolae Mitea (9/0), Claudiu Niculescu (2/5).


2002–03 FC Dinamo București season, Transfers
New players: Gh. Popescu (Lecce), Alexa, Grigorie, Stoican, Bărcăuan (all from U.Craiova).


2002–03 FC Dinamo București season, Transfers
Left team: Prunea, Bolohan (FCM Bacău), O.Stângă (U.Craiova), Zicu (Farul)


2002–03 FC Metz season
The 2002–03 season was the 71st season in the existence of FC Metz and the club's first season back in the second division of French football. In addition to the domestic league, Metz participated in this season's editions of the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue. The season covered the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.


2002–03 FC Oțelul Galați season
In the summer of 2002, coach Marius Lăcătuş refused to extend his contract saying that he is unhappy with the current financial situation at Oțelul and left the team. Soon after, many players whose contracts were expiring also left the team. They were joined by vice-president Mihai Stoica, who signed for Steaua. President Ion Ionică appointed Costel Orac as the new manager. Later in that summer, Igor Pîrvu is named as the new president of the club.


2002–03 FC Oțelul Galați season, Competitions, Divizia A
Although at the end of the season they had to compete in a playout match in order to remain in Divizia A, which they lost, Oțelul still managed to keep their place in the first league due to the merger of Divizia A team Astra Ploieşti and the newly promoted Petrolul Ploieşti, which resulted in the creation of FC Petrolul Ploieşti, thus freeing a spot.


2002–03 FC Oțelul Galați season, Transfers, Out
EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; N = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); Age = age on the day of the signing; Moving from = only indicate the club the player was playing before start playing for this club in this season, for the type of the moving see Status column; Moving to = only indicates the club the player is going to play next, for the type of the moving see Status column; Ends = when the player's current contract ends; n/a = Not applicable.


2002–03 FC Porto season
The 2002–03 season was the 118th season in the existence of FC Porto and the club's 88th consecutive season in the top flight of Portuguese football. In addition to the domestic league, Porto participated in this season's editions of the Taça de Portugal and the UEFA Cup.


2002–03 FC Schalke 04 season
FC Schalke 04 had another disappointing season, in which it failed to qualify for the Champions League. New coach Frank Neubarth did not last long, and was sacked and replaced by captain Marc Wilmots in the dugout. Once again, goalscoring was at a premium, with top scorer Victor Agali managing only seven in total. The end result was 7th place in Bundesliga, barely even qualifying for the Intertoto Cup.


2002–03 FC Sochaux-Montbéliard season
The 2002–03 season was the 74th season in the existence of FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and the club's second consecutive season in the top flight of French football. In addition to the domestic league, Sochaux participated in this season's editions of the Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and UEFA Intertoto Cup. The season covered the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.


2002–03 FC Sochaux-Montbéliard season, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FC Vaslui season
The 2002–03 season was the first season in the history of Vaslui. In what was their inaugural season as a professional club, Victoria Galaţi moved to Vaslui after an agreement between Marius Stan and the Vaslui Municipality to use the Municipal Stadium. The team also changed the colour of its kit, wearing yellow and green striped jerseys for the first time.


2002–03 FC Vaslui season
Vaslui reached the fourth round of the Romanian Cup, defeating CFR Paşcani at home, before losing to Divizia B side Unirea Focşani. During their inaugural season, Vaslui enjoyed an unbeaten run at home in the league that lasted until 29 March 2003, when Vaslui were beaten by Petrolul Moineşti.


2002–03 FC Vaslui season
Vaslui ended the campaign on 65 points, with a record of 21 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, and finished as runners-up to Petrolul Moineşti in the league table, which meant the club was promoted to Divizia B. Sorin Frunză was the club's top goalscorer, recording 18 goals, 16 in the league and two in the Romanian Cup.


2002–03 FC Vaslui season, Background
In July 2002, following the promotion of Victoria Galaţi in Divizia C, president Marius Stan decided to move his team to Vaslui. Set to play in Serie II under the name "Fotbal Club Municipal Vaslui", they ended up playing in Serie I following the withdrawal of Pro Mobila Crucea. Former Jiul Petroşani manager Ioan Sdrobiş was appointed as Vaslui's first manager on 23 July. On 1 August, Vaslui City Council agreed to grant FC Vaslui a 25-year lease of the Municipal Stadium. Unlike Sportul Municipal Vaslui who was left for disaffiliation, FC Vaslui was supported by the city council and businessman Adrian Porumboiu.


2002–03 FC Vaslui season, Season overview, August–September
With a team assembled over the summer months, Vaslui played their first ever fixture against Poli Unirea Iaşi on 10 August 2002, a game which ended 1–1. The pioneering team consisted of Cristian Brăneț in goal, defenders Cătălin Popa, Sorin Haraga, Cătălin Andruş and Robert Stamate, midfielders Adrian Popa, Emil Trăistariu, Sorin Sava and Sorin Frunză, with Flavius Hâdă and Valentin Badea in attack, while Dumitran, Marcel Atănăsoaiei, Alin Pânzaru, Emanuel Amarandei and Radu Ciobanu were substituted in during the game.


2002–03 FC Vaslui season, Season overview, August–September
Poli Unirea Iaşi scored first through Cătălin Abălaşei in the 30th minute, while Vaslui equalized in the 82nd minute through Dumitran. The club arranged five more friendlies during their training camp in Huşi against FC Oneşti, Petrolul Moineşti, Rafinăria Dărmăneşti, FC Târgu Ocna and Letea Bacău over the course of five days.


2002–03 FC Vaslui season, Season overview, August–September
Vaslui's first league game was at Gheorghe Costache Stadium against Viitorul Hârlău on 31 August 2002. Vaslui won 3–1 with Amarandei scoring the club's first ever league goal. One week later, Vaslui hosted their first home game at Municipal against Letea Bacău. Flavius Hâdă scored the first goal at Municipal in the 5th minute, while Adrian Popa closed the scoreboard with a late goal, providing Vaslui's first home win. In the following match, Vaslui lost for the first time, against Petrolul Moineşti with Adrian Popa scoring for the second successive league match and Valentin Badea adding one further goal. On 21 September, Vaslui hosted CFR Moldova Iaşi at Municipal; Sorin Frunză scored his first two league goals of the season in a 3–1 win. They ended September level on points with two other clubs, in second place on goal average.


2002–03 FC Vaslui season, Season overview, October
On 5 October, Cătălin Andruş scored Vaslui's first ever hat-trick during a five-minute stretch, as Vaslui registered a 7–0 home victory over CFR Paşcani. The club's excellent form continued in their next away match at Cimentul Bicaz, as they gained their third straight win. Another 4–0 win, against Unirea Negreşti, was followed by a comprehensive 9–0 away victory against Ceahlăul Piatra Neamţ II.


2002–03 FC Vaslui season, Squad
Updated 7 June 2003Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup
The 2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup was the 1st edition of Europe's 4th-tier level transnational competition for men's professional basketball clubs, the FIBA Europe Champions Cup, following the merger of the FIBA Korać Cup and FIBA Saporta Cup competitions into the new ULEB Cup competition. In this first edition of the competition, it was actually the 3rd-tier level on the European club basketball pyramid. The season consisted of 64 teams. The Greek club Aris Thessaloniki won the title, after beating the Polish club Prokom Trefl Sopot in the Final, which was held at Alexandreio Melathron, in Thessaloniki, Greece.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup
The competition, which was initially advertised as FIBA's attempt to revive the FIBA European Champions Cup (now known as the EuroLeague). The competition attracted 15 national domestic league champions, and teams from 30 European national leagues, which represented it as a truly pan-European event. However, the competition was only able to attract second division clubs from Italy and Spain, and the newly promoted champion of the Israeli second division. The league was unable to make a good commercial impact, and was then dropped to being the European 4th-tier level in the following 2003–04 season, as FIBA launched the FIBA Europe League to replace it.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup, Conference North
The season ran from October 1, 2002 to November 5, 2002.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup, Conference North, Group D
Before the PEP phase, the group champions of the RQR Northern conference participate in a final round to contest for the symbolic title of Conference Champion


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup, Conference South
The season ran from October 1, 2002 to November 5, 2002.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup, Conference South, Group D
Before the PEP phase, the group champions of the RQR Southern conference participate in a final round to contest for the symbolic title of Conference Champion


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup, Conference West
The season ran from October 1, 2002 to November 5, 2002.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup, Pan-European phase
The phase ran from February 2, 2003 to March 25, 2003.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup, Pan-European phase, Group F
*In 2003, Tenerife CB signed a sponsorship contract with Unelco and adopted the commercial name "Unelco Tenerife CB".


2002–03 FIBA Europe Champions Cup, Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals were two-legged ties determined on aggregate score. The first legs was played on April 8. All return legs were played on April 15.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Regional Challenge Cup
The 2002–03 FIBA Europe Regional Challenge Cup was the one-season international European competition for men's professional basketball clubs, organised by FIBA. At the time it was 4th-tier level competition, after the Euroleague, ULEB Cup and the FIBA Europe Champions Cup. The aim of this tournament was to provide competitive international play for clubs that would otherwise be unable to participate in international basketball. The tournament was divided in two conferences - "North" (which consisted of 17 teams) and "South" (which consisted of 11 teams). The season started on 30 October 2002, and ended on 13 February 2003. There were two champions - Azovmash from Ukraine and AEL Limassol from Cyprus.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Regional Challenge Cup, Conference North, Regular season, Play-offs
The winner of the play-offs qualified for the FIBA Europe Regional Challenge Cup Final Four.


2002–03 FIBA Europe Regional Challenge Cup, Conference South, Regular season, Play-offs
The winner of the play-offs qualified for the FIBA Europe Regional Challenge Cup Final Four.


2002–03 FINA Swimming World Cup
This is the current revision of this page, as edited by Monkbot (talk | contribs) at 17:39, 5 January 2020 (→top: Task 15:  language icon template(s) replaced (1×);). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this version.


2002–03 FINA Swimming World Cup
The 2002–2003 FINA Swimming World Cup was a series of nine, international short course (25m) swimming meets organized by FINA. The meets were held in seven different cities, from November 2002 through January 2003. Each featured 34 events: 17 for males, 17 for females.


2002–03 FINA Swimming World Cup, Meets
Dates and locations for the 2002-03 World Cup meets were:


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup
The 37th World Cup season began in October 2002 on Sölden, Austria, and concluded in March 2003 at the World Cup finals in Lillehammer, Norway. The overall winners were Stephan Eberharter of Austria and Janica Kostelić of Croatia.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup
A break in the schedule was for the 2003 World Championships, held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, from 2–16 February 2003.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Men
At the World Cup finals in Lillehammer (Kvitfjell, Hafjell), only the best racers were allowed to compete and only the top 15 finishers were awarded with points.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Men, Downhill
In Men's Downhill World Cup 2002/03 the all results count.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Men, Super G
In Men's Super G World Cup 2002/03 all results count.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Men, Giant Slalom
In Men's Giant Slalom World Cup 2002/03 all results count. Michael von Grünigen won his fourth Giant Slalom World Cup.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Men, Slalom
In Men's Slalom World Cup 2002/03 the all results count. Race No. 10 at Sestriere was a K.O.-Slalom.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Ladies
At the World Cup finals in Lillehammer (Kvitfjell, Hafjell), only the best racers were allowed to compete and only the top 15 finishers were awarded with points.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Ladies, Super G
In Women's Super G World Cup 2002/03 all results count.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Ladies, Giant Slalom
In Women's Giant Slalom World Cup 2002/03 all results count.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Ladies, Slalom
In Women's Slalom World Cup 2002/03 all results count. Race No. 11 at Sestriere was a K.O.-Slalom.


2002–03 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Ladies, Combined
In Women's Combined World Cup 2002/03 only one competition was held.


2002–03 FIS Cross-Country World Cup
The 2002–03 FIS Cross-Country World Cup was the 22nd official World Cup season in cross-country skiing for men and ladies. The season began in Düsseldorf, Germany, on 26 October on 2002 and was concluded in Falun, Sweden, on 23 March 2003. Mathias Fredriksson of Sweden won the overall men's cup, and Bente Skari of Norway won the women's.


2002–03 FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup
The 2002/03 FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup was the twenty fourth World Cup season in freestyle skiing organised by International Ski Federation. The season started on 7 September 2002 and ended on 12 March 2003. This season included four disciplines: aerials, moguls, dual moguls and ski cross.


2002–03 FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup
In this season new discipline skicross was for first time introduced in the World Cup. This season dual moguls counted as season title and was awarded with small crystal globe separately from moguls for the last time. From next season on dual moguls became one with moguls ranking, title and its small crystal globe.


2002–03 FIS Nordic Combined World Cup
The 2002/03 FIS Nordic Combined World Cup was the 20th world cup season, a combination of ski jumping and cross-country skiing organized by FIS. It started on 29 Nov 2002 in Kuusamo, Finland and ended on 15 March 2003 in Lahti, Finland.


2002–03 FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup
The 2002/03 FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup was the 12th in a row (10th official) Continental Cup winter season and the 1st summer season in ski jumping for men.


2002–03 FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup
Other competitive circuits this season included the World Cup and Grand Prix.


2002–03 FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup, Europa Cup vs. Continental Cup
This was originally last Europa Cup season and is also recognized as the first Continental Cup season by International Ski Federation although under this name began its first official season in 1993/94.


2002–03 FIS Ski Jumping World Cup
The 2002–03 FIS Ski Jumping World Cup was the 24th World Cup season of ski jumping. It began on 29 November 2002 at Rukatunturi in Kuusamo, Finland, and finished on 23 March 2003 at Letalnica bratov Gorišek in Planica, Slovenia. The defending World Cup champion from the previous two seasons was Adam Małysz, who continued his success by winning the overall title for a third time, as well as his second Nordic Tournament. Sven Hannawald placed second as he did in the previous season, with Andreas Widhölzl in third. Janne Ahonen won the Four Hills Tournament for a second time. The Nations Cup was won by Austria.


2002–03 FIS Ski Jumping World Cup
On the ski flying hill in Planica, Matti Hautamäki set three consecutive world records – 227.5, 228.5 and 231 metres – in a span of four days, becoming the first ski jumper to officially break the 230 m barrier. Prior to Hautamäki's 231 m jump, Veli-Matti Lindström became the first to unofficially surpass 230 m with a jump of 232.5 m during the 21 March trial round, but his jump was rendered an invalid world record due to him touching the snow with his hand.


2002–03 FK Partizan season
The 2002–03 season was FK Partizan's 11th season in First League of Serbia and Montenegro. This article shows player statistics and all matches (official and friendly) that the club played during the 2002–03 season.


2002–03 FK Partizan season, Players, Squad information
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 FK Partizan season, Players, Top scorers
Includes all competitive matches. The list is sorted by shirt number when total goals are equal.


2002–03 FK Partizan season, Competitions, Serbia and Montenegro Cup
Partizan  will participate in the 1st Serbia and Montenegro Cup starting in 1/16 Round.


2002–03 FK Vardar season
The 2002–03 season was the 55th season in Vardar’s history and their tenth in the First League. Their 1st place finish in the 2001–02 season meant it was their 10th successive season playing in the First League.


2002–03 FK Vardar season
In that season Vardar was won the championship for the second consecutive time.


2002–03 Fencing World Cup
The 32nd FIE Fencing World Cup began on October 2002 and concluded on October 2003 at the 2003 World Fencing Championships in Havana, Cuba.


2002–03 Ferencvárosi TC season
The 2002–03 season will be Ferencvárosi TC's101st competitive season, 101st consecutive season in the Borsodi Liga and 103rd year in existence as a football club.


2002–03 Ferencvárosi TC season, Transfers, Summer
In:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Ferencvárosi TC season, Transfers, Summer
Out:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Ferencvárosi TC season, Transfers, Winter
In:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Ferencvárosi TC season, Transfers, Winter
Out:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Ferencvárosi TC season, Statistics, Top scorers
Includes all competitive matches. The list is sorted by shirt number when total goals are equal.


2002–03 Ferencvárosi TC season, Statistics, Disciplinary record
Includes all competitive matches. Players with 1 card or more included only.


2002–03 Feyenoord season
The 2002–03 season was Feyenoord's 47th consecutive season playing in the Eredivisie, the top division of Dutch football. Feyenoord finished 3rd in the 2002-03 Eredivisie and did qualified for the 2003-04 UEFA Cup. In the 2002-03 KNVB Cup they lost the final to FC Utrecht. In the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League Feyenoord was eliminated after the Group Stage.


2002–03 Feyenoord season, Transfers
In:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 Feyenoord season, Transfers
Out:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2002–03 First League of Serbia and Montenegro
The 2002–03 First League of Serbia and Montenegro (in fall season First League of FR Yugoslavia) was the eleventh and last season as FR Yugoslavia and (after was the country renamed in February 2003) first season of the Serbia and Montenegro's top-level football league since its establishment. It was contested by 18 teams, and Partizan won the championship.


2002–03 First League of Serbia and Montenegro, Teams
Mladost Lučani, Zvezdara, Mladost Apatin and Radnički Kragujevac, were relegated to the Second League of Serbia and Montenegro.


2002–03 First League of Serbia and Montenegro, Teams
The relegated teams were replaced by 2001–02 Second League of FR Yugoslavia champions, Radnički Obrenovac (North), Radnički Niš (East), Javor Ivanjica (West) and Mogren (South).


2002–03 First League of Serbia and Montenegro, Winning squad
Champions: Partizan Belgrade (Coach:  Ljubiša Tumbaković (until December) and  Lothar Matthäus)


2002–03 First League of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The 2002–03 First League of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina season was the third since its establishment.