PAN PYLAS
Associated Press
On June 30 in World Cup history: Ronaldo scores twice as Brazil beats Germany to win fifth World Cup title in Yokohama, Japan, in 2002. David Beckham vilified as Argentina beats England in St Etienne, France, in 1998.
The big question in 2002 centered on Brazil’s Ronaldo and whether he could exorcise the ghosts of four years earlier when the striker turned in a hugely subdued performance in the final against France. With eight goals, including the two in the final that finished off a resilient Germany, Ronaldo scored more times in a tournament than anyone since West Germany’s Gerd Muller in 1970. His goals helped Brazil reclaim the crown it lost on that curious night at Stade de France. Brazil, led by current coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, won an unprecedented fifth World Cup.
David Beckham wasn’t always the golden boy of English football. Early in the second half of this round-of-16 match he became public enemy No. 1 after being sent off for kicking out at Argentina captain Diego Simeone. Despite a steadfast performance by England’s 10 men, the game ended 2-2 and Argentina won the ensuing penalty shootout. Beckham faced months of derision in the press and around English grounds. But his perseverance saw him win over his critics and by the 2002 World Cup he was captain. He even scored the penalty that defeated Argentina in that tournament.
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