Nagoya Grampus Eight walked off with what was probably the world's first soccer title of the millennium after downing Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-0 in the final of the Emperor's Cup at Tokyo's National Stadium on a beautiful, sunny New Year's Day.
Dragan "Pixy" Stojkovic made the first goal for Wagner Lopes and scored the second himself as he earned himself the MVP Award, a new Toyota sports car and the scorn of opposing manager Eddie Thomson for his referee-influencing theatrics on the pitch.
"I hope Stojkovic gives the referee back his whistle," Thomson joked afterward.