2002 FIFA World Cup qualification failed to qualify for the 2006 finals: Belgium, Cameroon, China, Denmark, Ireland, Nigeria, Russia, Senegal, Slovenia, South Africa, Turkey, Uruguay." The 32 spots available in the 2002 World Cup would be distributed among the continental zones as follows: A total of 193 teams played at least one qualifying match. A total of 777 qualifying matches were played, and 2452 goals were scored (an average of 3.17 per match). The Asian Football Confederation was allocated four and half qualifying berths for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, South Korea and Japan, the co-hosts, qualified automatically, leaving two and half spots open for
Croatia at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Croatia at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Croatia participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. This was their second appearance after their debut-bronze madel appearance at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Croatia was in Group 6 of UEFA's World Cup qualifications. They played alongside Belgium, Scotland, Latvia and San Marino, finished first in the group and qualified directly for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Croatia national team started the qualification led by manager Miroslav Blažević, but after tying the initial two matches, he was replaced by Mirko Jozić. Standings The results of the Group Stage Altogether 28 players appeared in