FIFA Cup to Brazil Fifth Time in History

Brazil claimed the World Cup title five times in history.

In the final match held at the Yokohama International Stadium on June 30, 2002, Brazil emerged as a winner. Ronanldo, whose honorable nickname is New Emperor of Soccer, contributed most. His two goals beat the German team, 2-0. Thus Brazil grabbed the title for the fifth time. Previously, they had won the ‘58 Sweden World Cup, ‘62 Chile, ‘70 Mexico and ’94 US.

Ronaldo also won the Golden Shoe by adding two more goals in the final, 8 in total. The two goals put him well ahead of his rivals for the award, namely Rivaldo of Brazil and Klose of Germany. And Ronaldo broke the jinx.

Ever since ’78 Argentina World Cup, the Golden Shoe was for scorers of six goals. No one had broken the record. This time, Ronaldo scored 8, setting a new record. Brazil started to dominate the game with Ronaldo’s first goal (67’).

Shortly thereafter (79’), Ronaldo made one more goal, chilling the German’s zeal for reversing. But, in the first period, it was hard to tell which team would lead ahead.

In terms of shooting numbers, Brazil exceeded its opponent by 6-1. Germany, however, dominated the ball more often: in percentage points, 58:42. In the meanwhile, Brazil had much more definitive opportunities to score. Especially at 44 minutes, Kleberson’s “long-range” shooting was ricocheted off the goal post.

Ronaldo failed to materialize the three more chances for goal. He had face-to-face chances with Kahn, the German goalkeeper, at 19’, 29’ and 49’. Each of his shootings was bounced off the post or blocked by Kahn’s excellent performance.

The crowd, who had filled the Stadium much earlier than scheduled, gave thunderous applaud at the beginning of the celebration ceremony, which came before the match.

The theme was mainly about the wonderful operation of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup and the upcoming climax of it. It was expressed through Japanese traditional culture. In the royal box, many dignitaries were on hand such as Kim Tae-Jung (South Korea’s President) and his wife, Japanese Emperor with his wife, German Prime Minister and King of Jordan.