THE hosts reach the final of a major international tournament at the Stade France and face a country whose star player, Ronaldo, suffers an injury on the day of the final.
We’ve been here before.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off after 25 minutes of the Euro 2016 final against 25 following a forceful challenge by Dimitri Payet.
But 18 years earlier, it was his Brazilian namesake who was struck down on the morning of the final against a France side who had reached their first-ever World Cup favourites.
The Samba boys were reigning champions and heavy favourites coming into the clash.
Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and the world’s most expensive player, Denilson, were among their stars — but it was Ronaldo who shone brightest.
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He had scored four goals as Brazil beat cruised to the final.
The Ballon d’Or holder was just 22, but was already being touted as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game.
He was squad member who didn’t feature as Brazil reigning supreme in the USA four years earlier.
July 12, 1998 was his moment to shine.
But, that morning, he suffered a convulsive fit and was omitted from the starting line up in the biggest match of his career.
However, just 45 minutes before kick-off, coach Mario Zagallo shocked the world media has re-instated Ronaldo in place of Edmundo.
The Inter Milan striker was a shadow himself as his only real involvement was to be injured in a collision with goalkeeper, Fabien Barthez.
Missing the magical powers of their star man, Brazil crashed to a 3-0 defeat through a Zinedine Zidane double and a late Emmanuel Petit goal.
Fast forwarded 18 years, and the Stade de France hosts its second-ever international final.
And a star named Ronaldo is injured.
Is there a curse?
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