Today celebrates 10 years of the first French World Cup title. On a match against Brazil, Zidane and co. smashed Selecao 3 - 0. But what happened to Brazil that day that made the entire squad dull? Ronaldo (then Ronaldinho) got really sick right before the match, a convulsion to be exact. And as much as France was an excellent team and could have maybe won against a full strength Brazil, I cannot stop wondering how the events of that day contributed to Brazil losing the title. People say Brazil sold that title out in order to win 2002. I don’t believe it. Especially after meeting the photographer who was with the Brazilian team inside the locker rooms.

He told me there was not a chance in the world these players would sell a World Cup final, the ultimate goal in a player’s career.

After the convulsion Ronaldo had in his room, the entire team was scared something could happen to the number 9. Roberto Carlos, Edmundo and Cesar Sampaio all saw Ronaldo having the convulsion and pretty much freaked out. Who wouldn’t. All that 7 hours before the great final. Ronaldo came back from the hospital 20 minutes before the match started. And wanted to play.

During half time break, said the photographer, the Brazilian players sort of knew they would not be able to revert the result. Then 2 - 0. They tried, but the day was not for them.

So what could have happen? Who knows… I just think this shows how football is way more than what happens inside the pitch, at the time of the match.