With less than 50 days until the start of the World Cup in Brazil, Soccer Laduma takes a look at our Top 50 World Cup moments – today number 30: Rivaldo play-acting in 2002.
Brazil legend, Rivaldo, was one of the most gifted players in football and at the 2002 World Cup he was part of Brazil deadly 'three R's' – Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo.
In Brazil's group match with Turkey, Rivaldo was involved in simultaneously one of the funniest and most despicable World Cup moments.
Late in injury time, Brazil was awarded a corner and Rivaldo stood at the corner flag demanding the ball from Hakan Unsal.
The Turkish player petulantly kicked it towards him, hitting the Brazilian on the leg. Rivaldo saw his opportunity to show his acting skills to world!
He collapsed to the ground, holding his face as though he had been hit on the head. The referee bought it and showed Unsual his second yellow card for his apparent misdemeanour.
Brazil won the game 2-1 after Rivaldo had scored the winning penalty, but he was later fined by FIFA after the corner-incident had been reviewed on video.
The Selecao went on to win the tournament and Rivaldo made FIFA's Team of the Tournament. However, his play-acting had put a small shadow over Rivaldo's shining career.
Do you remember this World Cup moment and which other memories do you have of Rivaldo? Have your say in the comment section below.
