David Seaman was thinking about Beckham moments after conceding Ronaldinho goal

David Seaman has revealed his mind immediately turned to David Beckham after having conceded that free-kick at the 2002 World Cup to Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.

21 years ago, England faced off against Brazil in Japan in the quarter-finals of the 2002 tournament, with the Three Lions taking the lead on 23 minutes thanks to Michael Owen. However, a first-half injury-time goal, created by Ronaldinho, saw Rivaldo equalise for Brazil.

And then after the break, it was Ronaldinho who broke England hearts, netting an audacious free-kick from distance that looped over Seaman into the net to give Brazil a 2-1 lead. While the Brazilian winger was sent off minutes later for a stamp on Danny Mills, Brazil managed to hold on to beat England and then later go on to win the World Cup.

READ MORE: Ray Parlour was axed by England after making haircut quip to Glenn Hoddle's faith healer

READ MORE: England 'B' haven't played match since 2007 – and last team featured Michael Owen

Seaman came in for much scrutiny of his positioning for the Ronaldinho goal. And the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper thought he would be treated in the same regard as Beckham was following his sending off at the 1998 World Cup against Argentina after he conceded.

"I was thinking to myself on the pitch, 'come on, lads, get me out of this'," explained Seaman, speaking to the Mirror.

"Because if it stays at 2-1, am I going to get treated the same as what Becks did in 1998? Even while the game’s still going on, those thoughts were going around in my head. I went towards the England fans and felt like I’d let everyone down, and then the tears and the emotions came.

Where were you when David Seaman and England fell to Brazil during the 2002 World Cup in Japan? Let us know in the comments section below

Join the Daily Star's WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots more

The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!

Through the app, we'll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.

To join our community, all you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in!

No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

"I’ve seen pictures since of Beckham saying something in my ear, then (manager) Sven… and I still haven’t got a clue what they said. I tried to go into the press conference afterwards and I was just breaking down all the time and they were like, 'No, just take him away.'

"And then having that worry of coming home and worrying about what sort of reception I was going to get and what was going to happen.

Sky Sports is bringing you 500 live football games to watch, as well access to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA and more across eight dedicated channels. Sky Sports is the only way to watch all the action this year.

£22 a month

"There were a lot of England fans at the airport, and as soon as they saw me, they started singing my name. Honestly, it was such a relief. I still get stick about it. There’s no doubt, from away fans, especially Tottenham fans, but it’s what it is. It’s part of me."

Source: Read Full Article