We didnt know how good Ronaldinho was Former England goalkeeper David Seaman on THAT 2002 World Cup goal

We didnt know how good Ronaldinho was Former England goalkeeper David Seaman on THAT 2002 World Cup goal
David Seaman has admitted England had no idea how good Brazilian star Ronaldinho was before the game which produced one of the most iconic World Cup moments in English football history.You can probably recall that sinking feeling in your stomach as you watched the ball float over the goalkeepers magnificent ponytail and into the back of the net, signalling the quarter-final exit in 2002.Spare a thought for Seaman, who spent the rest of the match at the Shizuoka Stadium dreading the reception he would receive from fans when the Three Lions returned home from their latest World Cup disappointment.4

Ronaldinho’s lob over David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup has gone down in football folklore

Fortunately for the Arsenal legend, the incident is now less of a recurring nightmare and more a part of football folklore, and the moment which announced one of the most skilled players ever to play on the World Cup stage.It still remains a question fans ask him most, though Was it intentional, or a fluke?Well, in Seamans mind there is only one answerIt was lucky, he told talkSPORT on a visit to Classic Football Shirts LDN.Did we know how good Ronaldinho was? Not really, no! Wed heard about him, but its until you see somebody on the pitch that you begin to realise how good they are and he was good.Obviously I dont remember all of that all I remember is his lucky free kick!People ask me, Did he mean it?, but it doesnt matter. It still went in from about 40 yards out, so it was a goalkeeping mistake.When he CROSSED it, I went one way then I tried to get back the other way and I just got caught too square, and I couldnt move.4

It was at this moment Seaman knew…

England had led the game through Michael Owens brilliant 23^rd minute finish, but were left stunned by Ronaldinhos magic feet as he turned the game around.Brazil were absolutely deserved winners in South Korea and Japan. They bossed the tournament, largely thanks to the attacking trio of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo dubbed the Three Rs.Fans could only watch in disbelief when, on the stroke of half-time, Ronaldinho picked up the ball from inside his own half, danced his way through Englands midfield and defence and put the ball on a plate for Rivaldo to level. But the moment of magic or luck came after the break when the Brazilian wizard famously lobbed Seaman from 40 yards with a curling free-kick which took everyone, but most crucially the England goalkeeper, by surprise.All I remember thinking was, Please go over the bar, please go over the bar, said Seaman. But I heard it hit the net and I thought, Urgh! It was horrible.4

Ronaldinho celebrates his famous quarter-final goal against England

So Ive let that goal in, its 2-1 now in the second half and Ive looked at the clock and theres only about half an hour left. I remember thinking, Come on lads, get me out of this.But I also remember thinking, Oh no, if this stays at 2-1 am I going to get the same treatment David Beckham got in 98?All these thoughts were going through my head while Im still playing, but it wasnt to be and we went out.I was a bit scared, because you dont know how the country is going to treat you when you get back.4

David Beckham consoles Seaman after Englands quarter-final defeat to Brazil

It was a nervous journey home for the goalie, who feared the same fan backlash team-mate Beckham received after his infamous sending off against Argentina which led to Englands exit at France 1998.Fortunately for Seaman, though, supporters were more forgiving on this occasion.He added: We all arrived back at Heathrow and there was hundreds of fans there and they all started singing my name, and I was so happy and relieved.I think people had realised I had a good World Cup but obviously that [Ronaldinhos goal] is going to be remembered.So I didnt get treated as badly as I thought I would although Tottenham fans loved it!

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