World Cup Update

Friday’s results

The host French, before a fanatical crowd in Marseille, routed South Africa 3-0, taking 18 shots and dominating for the final 65 minutes before a crowd that included Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

At Lens, defender Marc Rieper did what Denmark’s forwards couldn’t in a lackluster effort, heading home the only goal in the 68th minute for a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. In the first 0-0 game of the tournament, Bulgaria and Paraguay went scoreless at Montpellier.

Stars of the day

Goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, Paraguay, had a shutout and nearly scored on a free kick in a 0-0 tie with Bulgaria in Group D.

Defender Marc Rieper, Denmark, rose unmarked in the penalty area in the 68th minute and headed in the only goal for a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Group C.

Christophe Dugarry, France, who came on in the 27th minute after starting forward Stephane Guivarc’h hurt his leg, scored seven minutes later on a back-header and also set up the second score in a 3-0 victory over South Africa.

History

Denmark’s greatest player, Michael Laudrup, played in his 100th international game in the 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Laudrup, who will retire after the World Cup at 33, was presented with a bouquet to mark the occasion.

Look ahead

Belgium and the Netherlands, neighbors in what is known as the low countries area of Europe, always seem to meet in major soccer tournaments. They are together again in Group E and begin play at Saint-Denis today. The Dutch won both games in qualifying, when the teams were in the same sector, as they were at the ‘94 World Cup. This will be their 120th meeting.

At Nantes, it will be flair and technique vs. speed and spontaneity as Spain, looking strong heading into the World Cup, faces Olympic champion Nigeria. Spain has just one loss in its last 34 internationals. Nigeria, perhaps the quickest team in the field, has been plagued by injuries in the last two weeks. Guided by former U.S. coach Bora Milutinovic, the Nigerians have struggled in recent warmup games.

Both Mexico and South Korea, who meet in Lyon, have pointed to the opener as a must-win game. The Mexicans were sensational in qualifying, but have been mediocre the last few months and even changed coaches, firing Milutinovic. The Koreans, making their fifth appearance, have not gone past the first round.