Brazil triumphant after final redemption of Ronaldo

James Lawton
Monday 01 July 2002 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Whatever happened in the soft drizzle that fell on the International Stadium here last night, it had to be one of the most remarkable finals in the 72-year history of the World Cup. But then no one could have quite anticipated the drama and the glory of the triumph of Ronaldo and Brazil. It was maybe the greatest football story of them all. At least in terms of redemption, of a brilliantly sustained crusade to beat the odds imposed four years ago when the 21-year-old Ronaldo suffered a fall from grace in the 3-0 defeat by France in Paris. Last night, Ronaldo and Brazil completed a majestic circle with the 2-0 defeat of Germany.

Ronaldo scored both goals in the 67th and 79th minutes to deliver Brazil's fifth World Cup and land the Golden Boot awarded to the tournament's highest scorer. He had scored eight goals in seven matches, three more than his closest rivals, his team-mate Rivaldo and Miroslav Klose of Germany. It was, given his four-year battle to beat career-threatening injuries and the stigma of his collapse and ghost-like performance in the Paris final, a stunning achievement. Ronaldo said later: "I have dedicated my life to this moment for four years. I promised the Brazilian people that I would repay them for what happened and this is my greatest moment."

But the night brought misery for Oliver Kahn, the German goalkeeper and captain. Kahn, who had conceded just one goal in six matches, was at fault for the first goal when Rivaldo's shot bounced out of his grasp and into the path of Ronaldo.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in