Argentina 2002-2003 Away World Cup Football Shirt [As worn by Batistuta, Crespo & Zanetti]

Description

This is the fully-customizable short-sleeve home kit for Argentina’s 2002 World Cup campaign.

The Argentine national football team, under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, entered the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan with high hopes and a strong squad. The team was placed in Group F, famously referred to as the “Group of Death,” alongside England, Sweden, and Nigeria. Expectations were sky-high for Argentina, a team boasting a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars.

Argentina’s campaign kicked off on June 2 with a 1-0 victory against Nigeria at the Kashima Soccer Stadium. Gabriel Batistuta, the team’s captain and legendary striker, scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, giving Argentina a vital three points to start the tournament. The match showcased Argentina’s disciplined defense and tactical acumen under Bielsa’s management.

Their second match on June 7 was a much-anticipated clash against England at the Sapporo Dome. The encounter was a rematch of their infamous 1998 World Cup showdown. Despite a hard-fought battle, Argentina fell to a 1-0 defeat, with David Beckham converting a penalty in the 44th minute. The loss was a significant blow, complicating Argentina’s path to the knockout stages.

On June 12, Argentina faced Sweden in their final group match at the Miyagi Stadium. With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, Argentina needed a victory to secure their progression. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Hernán Crespo scoring a late equalizer in the 88th minute after Sweden had taken the lead through Anders Svensson in the 59th minute. Despite their efforts, the draw was insufficient to advance, as Sweden and England moved forward based on their superior points.

Argentina’s early exit from the tournament was a profound disappointment, given their pre-tournament status as one of the favorites. The team finished third in Group F with four points, managing only one win, one draw, and one loss. The squad’s failure to progress beyond the group stage was a shock, marking one of the most underwhelming performances in Argentina’s World Cup history.

The 2002 World Cup saw a mixture of strong individual performances and collective shortcomings for Argentina. While players like Gabriel Batistuta and Hernán Crespo made their mark, the team’s inability to capitalize on their chances and maintain consistency ultimately led to their downfall. The disappointment in South Korea and Japan was a sobering moment for Argentine football, leading to a period of reflection and restructuring in the following years.

Notable Players: Germán Burgos, Roberto Ayala, Juan Pablo Sorín, Mauricio Pochettino, Matías Almeyda, Walter Samuel, Claudio López, Javier Zanetti, Gabriel Batistuta, Ariel Ortega, Juan Sebastián Verón, Pablo Cavallero, Diego Placente, Diego Simeone, Pablo Aimar.

Main Points

• This is a brand new jersey with its tags attached. It has never been worn, washed or used.
• The jersey is 100% polyester. It’s breathable, and made for a life on the move.
• Fully customizable with the name and number of your favourite player or even yours! Just choose the Custom Jersey Option and then message us your desired name and number or write them in the order’s notes at checkout.
• Replica Version. This jersey is a remake of the official one, made with the exact same materials, look, and feel.
• Tighter fit: make sure you choose the right sizing. We recommend buying one size bigger than you usually wear. This will ensure the jersey will fit.

Sizing Guidelines

This jersey comes in five sizes, which have a tiny difference: they’re a smaller fit. Our suggestion is to pick your size 1 size bigger than you usually would. If you usually wear an M, pick an L. If you usually wear an S, pick an M.