It was the hope that killed England as they fell to the eventual winners.
David Seaman in tears after England’s loss to Brazil – 2002
Ahead of this game, England seemed to relish the task in front of them in taking on Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Shizuoka.
Michael Owen seemed to put England on their way to a semi-final place after Lucio failed to clear a through ball from Emile Heskey, with Owen calmly finishing beyond the onrushing goalkeeper Marcos.
Michael Owen scores for England v Brazil – 2002
The lead wouldn’t last long with Rivaldo sweeping home before half-time to bring the Brazilians back on terms, but it is after the half-time break that the game is most remembered for when Ronaldinho seemed to catch out David Seaman in the England go – lobbing him in distance.
It would seemingly be the beginning of the end for the then Arsenal goalkeeper, and it would be the last time he would represent his country at a major tournament.
Ronaldinho would then go on to be dismissed with half an hour to go, but England could not claw their way back into the game – it would be heartbreak for Sven Goran Eriksson’s side.
Brazil, however, would go on to record their fifth World Cup triumph – beating Turkey 1-0 in the semi-finals – and Germany 2-0 in the final. Ronaldo got all of the goals from then on as they lifted their latest world crown.
For England, it became an opportunity missed.
Rivaldo scores for Brazil v England – 2002
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