Great World Cup moments No31

France's stunning victory four years ago sparked a wave of celebrations that brought the host nation to a standstill, but the 1998 Final will be remembered as much for the mystery surrounding star striker Ronaldo as it will for the three goals which defeated the reigning champions.

Zinedine Zidane & Co begin their defence against Senegal in just four days' time but, as the kick-off to the 1998 Final drew closer, the French were as much in the dark as the rest of the watching world over whether Ronaldo would play.

Rumours were flying around the Stade Francais regarding the striker's fitness and the influence of Brazil's main sponsor, Nike. The sportswear company had, allegedly, demanded that their prize asset take the field but, just over an hour before the match, Ronaldo was not on the official teamsheet. Then, 40 minutes before kick-off, a second teamsheet was produced - with Ronaldo mysteriously reinstated. To add to the mystery, Brazil didn't warm up on the pitch before the game.

Rumours of behind-the-scenes bust-ups grew as the odds seemed to stack heavily in France's favour. Brazil team doctor Lidio Toledo's explanation that Ronaldo had suffered an 'upset stomach' after lunch convinced no one.

Eventually it emerged that the 21-year-old had suffered a stress-related fit and that he may have been given certain drugs that did not mix well. Neurological and cardiac tests cleared Ronaldo to play but it proved too much for him and he looked a forlorn figure as Brazil sunk to a 3-0 defeat.

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