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On This Day In 2002: Ronaldinho Scored 'That' Free-Kick Against England

On This Day In 2002: Ronaldinho Scored 'That' Free-Kick Against England

Memories.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

16 years ago today, the magician that is Ronaldinho broke the hearts of millions when his, let's just say, unexpected free-kick found the back of the net.

England goalkeeper David Seaman looked on in bemusement. How did that just happen?

Will we ever win a World Cup again? These were the questions going around plenty of people's heads at the time.

And years later, these questions are still repeated. Do you think Ronaldinho actually meant it?


Seaman could have been better prepared, that's for sure, especially when such a mammoth prize is at stake. But it somehow went in.

Thousands upon thousands watched from school classrooms as the dream was once again taken away from us.

Michael Owen opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, which sparked huge scenes across the country. I'm convinced my teacher said 'we're going to win the World Cup' at the time. I blame him.

Rivaldo would then score in the 45th minute and not long after, 'that' Ronaldinho free-kick in the 57th minute ruined everything.

Many expected him to throw it into the mixer, or even pass it to a teammate nearby, but nobody, and I mean nobody, predicted what would happen next. Especially former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman.

How can a goal still hurt so much?

Where were you when Ronaldinho scored that free-kick to sink England's World Cup hopes?

Let us know your memories in the comments.

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Topics: Football News, Ronaldinho, Football, Free-kick, England, World Cup, Brazil