The 2002 FIFA World Cup held in South Korea and Japan featured many firsts and plenty of drama for soccer fans. It was the first to take place in Asia – the first outside Europe or the Americas for that matter – and the first to be jointly-hoisted by two nations. China, Slovenia, Senegal and Ecuador all made their World Cup debuts among the 32-team field. France, the defending champs, and Argentina were each knocked out in group play. South Korea became the first Asian team to make the final four, joining Brazil, Germany and Turkey (another Cinderella). In the Semifinals, Germany defeated the joint-hosts 1-0 behind a late goal from Michael Ballack, while Brazil beat Turkey by the same margin. In the Finals, played June 30, 2002 in Yokohama, Japan, the Brazilians shut out Germany 2-0 for their fifth World Cup title – the most of any nation. Germany would get their fourth in 2014. The stars of the 2002 World Cup were Brazil striker Ronaldo, who led all scorers with eight goals, and German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn (Golden Glove).
This fine 2002 FIFA World Cup Runners Up Silver Medal was awarded to an unidentified member of the Germany National Team. A total of30 official silver medals were issued to Italian players, coaches and top staff members. Made of Sterling Silver and by Bertoni of Milan, the front features a relief image of the FIFA World Cup trophy. The reverse has "2002 FIFA WORLD CUP KOREA JAPAN” in raised relief, with the "925" hallmark and "G.D.E. Bertoni Italy" minter stamp near the bottom rim. The medal, designed with a loop and three-color silk ribbon (blue, gold and red), measures 50 mm in diameter and weighs 64 grams (incl. ribbon). The medal presents in Extremely Fine condition, while the ribbon shows very little wear. Winner’s medals – whether gold, silver or bronze – from the world’s most-watched sporting event rarely surface. This is the third silver runners up medal from any World Cup that we have represented at auction.