An Oliver Kahn blunder gifts Ronaldo the first of his two goals as Brazil beat Germany 2-0 in the World Cup final.
Did the best team prevail?
This debate is now closed - A selection of your e-mails appear below.
Steve (below), get a life, Rivaldo is as much a Brazilian as Beckham is English. What country do you think he should be playing for? Brazil have demonstrated that they are the best one more time, that is why they have played in more finals than any other team. They have five World Cup championships to their name and bring a certain flair to the beautiful game. Once more get a life! Long live the samba!!!
Victor K, Botswana
When I first saw Ronaldo play for Barcelona in his late teens/early 20s I said, like Bobby Robson, that Ronaldo is a better player than Pele. People mocked my opinion but now after his World Cup performance I am sure that Ronaldo will go on to show the world that he is indeed the greatest player ever to grace world football. Ronaldo is quite simply a genius.
Brazil's a poor country, and soccer is what keeps the people happy and optimistic even in such depressive times. We won because a whole country was cheering for a little bit of happiness.
I have been a Brazilian fan for over 30 years - ever since I first watched Pele 'live' in a friendly match in Hong Kong. However, I am sick of people keep going on about the 1970 Brazilian Team. Those who recently watched the Brazil V England game again on BBC will agree that Pele and co were allowed so much time on the ball - unlike the modern game.
Looking back, I cannot remember the 1970 Brazilian team needing the kind of pace and close ball control displayed by Ronaldo to score a goal.
William Wong, England
This was the weakest Brazilian team to win the World Cup. Joseph Blatter should be kicked out and Joao Havelange should never be allowed to have any contact with Fifa. Let's see how many World Cups Brazil would win then without the help of these two.
You have no idea how beautiful is our emotion, probably because you have no Latin soul, or, more specifically, Brazilian soul.
We are very proud of our players, much more than anyone could suppose. Brazilian economical conditions are terrible and we are very worried about the future. For all these reasons this big triumph is extraordinary...
Brazil definitely deserve to be the champions. There is a peculiar way that Brazilian players display when they are on the field. They play soccer like they dance the Samba.
Idriz Ajeti,New York City
Brazil have Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, and England have players like Emile Heskey! No wonder, Steve (from England) and others like him, show contempt towards skilful players.
How could the 'great' Maradona say that the World Cup was mediocre and that Brazil were just a gang of individualists?! Doesn't he realize that his own Argentina were the mediocre team of the championship? Thank you Brazil for showing the World what football is all about...passion and unity.
Michael Proud Brazilian,USA/Brazil
The Brazilians have great individual skill, and it is always entertaining to watch them. There is no such thing as 'boring football' from this team. Just for that, they deserved to win.
Brazil thoroughly deserve to be the champions. It is hard to be on the loosing side but such is life. One day you loose, one day you win ... or in the case of soccer, you may loose to Brazil all the time!
Ahmet Lavkan, Turkey/USA
As much as I was pulling for Senegal, South Korea and Turkey most of the way, I am glad Brazil came through in the end with pomp and style. While much has been said about Brazil being the only champions crowned outside of their own continent, they have now won on all four continents the Cup has been contested: Europe (Sweden, 1958), South America (Chile, 1962), North America (Mexico, 1970 and USA, 1994) and now Asia (Korea/Japan, 2002). Let there be a South African and an Australia World Cup to see what can happen!
Brazil are more than worthy champions of this World Cup. They played by far the most entertaining football with a lethal attack and in the end showed everyone who doubted them they can also defend.
To all those people who want accuse Rivaldo of cheating for feigning injury; please stop whining you sound like a bunch of 12-year-olds playing in the school yard.
Brazil played the best football and never stopped attacking even when they went into the lead. I think this was the decisive factor in their victory. If you see the final Germany defended well but ran out of ideas when it came to attack.
H Anand, Anon
Well done Brazil - the best overall side has won. But I'm not sure Cafu should have been on the pitch after his tackle on Jeremies. Have we witnessed another dodgy decision in the tournament?
It would have been a disaster for football if Brazil did not win this World Cup. While other teams stepped onto the pitch to avoid loosing, Brazil played their games by attack, attack and attack. Isn't that the way football should be played? And Brazil did, with style too. The football world should thank the boys from Brazil for keeping their faith in attacking football.
Gaston Lam, Hong Kong
It is strange how cruel and ironic football can be, the dream teams of Brazil in 1982 and 1986 didn't even reach the final whereas the ordinary Brazilian team of 2002 manage to win the World Cup. Moreover, please can anyone remind me how many world class teams played against Brazil in the recent boring World Cup?
Ali Sulaiman, UK
There will always be criticisms and compliments about Brazil's performance, but saying Brazil had an easy route to the finals due to premature departure of other big teams such as Italy, Spain or even France is not right. If these teams were sent home earlier it was due to their lack of showing their best performances, which the whole world know they're capable of.
Thank you all for being with us during this historic road to the one and only five time's world championship. Thank God for being Brazilian. Cheers from Brazil!
Jorge Pasin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ronaldo's amazing comeback is great for the game of football. As an avid England supporter I was sad to see our lads lose to Brazil but they deserve to be champions as the only team to finish with a 100% record.
Genaro , USA
It was fantastic to see such a fine positive player as Ronaldo banishing the demons of France 98.
This Brazilian team were more pragmatic than many of their predecessors, but they proved to have the consistency that other teams in this tournament lacked. Well done Germany for having a go, but their presence in the final with such a poor side has to raise questions about the overall organisation of the tournament.
Jamie, New Zealand
In response to Steve below, don't be a bitter loser. Brazil were the best team in the tournament and their skill and determination were too much for any of the other teams.
Both teams played their best and the match was very well balanced. But Brazil's individual talents predominated over Germany's collective force.
Fernando Darcie, Brazil
It was a World Cup final between two great teams, and the better team won. The Germans might have their chance when they host the World in 2006. If the two countries meet again in the next World Cup final, I believe the Brazilians will celebrate their sixth World Cup.
Sulaimon O Balogun, Nigeria
In response to Steve below, don't be a bitter loser. Brazil were the best team in the tournament and their skill and determination were too much for any of the other teams.
There is no doubt that Brazil were the best team in the World Cup, and were worthy winners.
However, it is hard to compare them favourably with previous champions, as all the other main contenders managed to get themselves knocked out early. It was great to see five of the six confederations represented in the quarter finals, but the lack of big names at this stage meant that things were a bit `lightweight`.
As for Germany reaching the final; well, you can only beat the teams placed in front of you. But surely, there has never been an easier route to the final.
The final was the best game of the whole World Cup. Germany played a really amazing game, but Brazil just happened to be better. Kahn is a great keeper and he should be acknowledged for his great world. Congratulations to Brazil, you guys deserve it and way to go Ronaldo!
It was the team work and effort of all Brazilian team that achieved the championship. They deserve it and congratulation to the nation of Brazil.
I feel Brazil deserved to win. They had the best attack and their defence wasn't too bad after all. They just conceded one goal in the last four matches. I especially feel happy for Ronaldo who has gone through hell over the last four years. I really feel sorry for Kahn who did not deserve such an end to what was otherwise a brilliant one month for him.
There will be always both criticism and compliments about Brazil's performance. No matter what, besides having the best attack and the best player in the tournament, the yellows have played in the last three World Cup finals and are now crowned with the fifth title. If Brazil is not worthy, who else is?
Hugo Silva, Brazil
No team deserved to win the World Cup more than Brazil. They have clearly shown the World they are streets ahead. They have more than made up for the disappointments of the 1980's
A Gaibie, Zimbabwe
This win for Brazil signals a victory for attacking flair over resolute but rather dour defending.
Roshan Fernando, Sri Lanka
The three Amigos (Ronaldo, Roberto, Ronaldino) showed their superb athletic ability. Wow Brasil!
Giants never die, and myths live forever. In a tournament of upsets, flux and profound change, the mythical Brazilians danced into history yet again.
No other team deserved to win this cup, as no other team has the talent, flair and strength that Brazil have. Most of the Brazilians players came from humble backgrounds and play with humility. The World Cup is a success story for Brazil and for every poor child who dreams of football glory.
What makes the difference in the Brazilian game is the multi-racial aspect of our country. We have a mix of ethnicities and cultures that create great players. We absorb the global influences in football without losing our individuality. Thanks for all the support all over the world.
Dimitri Camiloto,Rio, Brazil
The Brazilians have proved time and time again that they are the best team to grace the soccer field.
The best team deserved the win; it's as simple as that. The Brazilian side had every player fit and ready to play without any problems. Even without Ronaldinho in the game with Turkey they showed how good they really were and the depth of phenomenal football talent at their disposal.
Frank Bierbrauer, Wollongong, Australia
A brilliant match, and congratulations Brazil for winning in such a beautiful manner. But respect must also go to a German team that fought hard, made the very best out of what they knew to be limited abilities and certainly gave the Brazilians a run for their money. Brazil can celebrate all the more for having to beat a surprisingly good German side!
Stephan,Germany, living in UK
I'm sick of hearing that Brazil don't deserve to win, how they are the worst team to win in years, etc. I say bring on the best teams that you think would be worthy opponents against this talented Brazilian team. The way they have played in this World Cup, the Brazilians would beat any of those teams!
Not just worthy, but great, and the best side to win the World Cup since 1970. When we saw the Brazilians having their prayer of thanks at the end, it was a beautiful example of their humility - something which has been lacking amongst the top sides.
The skills of the three Rs, Roberto Carlos and Lucio lit up the most memorable final in years. Thank you, Brazil.
Dermot Brennan,Corcaigh, Éire
Brazil are mediocre champions, but this is more of an indictment of the other teams that took part in this World Cup. As an aside, Rivaldo's flagrant cheating was a disgrace and he should have been banished from the tournament. And without, him would Brazil have won? Probably not.
In response to Robert from England (below) who said Brazil were lucky to win, I give you German coach Rudi Voeller's quote: "There is no doubt Brazil deserved to win the World Cup. They showed their worth, not just in this match but throughout the entire tournament"
Brazil are worthy winners of the World Cup. With their skill and talent, they seem light years ahead of the rest. Much as I would like to have seen England succeed, we are still not worthy to share the pitch with them.
Kevin Coleman, England
What made the Brazilian team win was not only their talent but also their happiness while playing, their positive energy and creativity. Congratulations Brazil!
Maria Carolina Dias, Brazil
Germany outplayed Brazil in the first half, but then came Ronaldo's 12-minute show.
I was not surprised by Brazil's attacking prowess, but I was pleasantly surprised by their defensive qualities! They have been the most balanced team in this tournament - bravo Brazil!
It was a superb final and Brazil were the worthy winners. Germany lacked that extra quality and never looked like getting back into the game once Ronaldo had scored.Well done to both teams though.
Michael Thompson, England
Soccer was the winner today. It was a pleasure to see sportsmanship and the world coming together to enjoy the beautiful game.
Ronald Hudson, US
Scolari has proved that in a short eliminatory competition like the World Cup, you need at least three world-class strikers supported by a very disciplined and talented team. Otherwise you will be praying for 1-0 wins as the best result on every game.
Brazil play football that is so beautiful - it is heart stopping and no one else has that magic. Were it not for Ronaldo's illness, Brazil would have won in 1998, but now all is well with the world again. It was worth waiting four years for.
Renuka Satchithananthan, Canada/Sri Lanka
I was impressed by the way the Germans rose to the occasion despite the criticism they received for their easy route to the final. Brazil played well but were lucky to win by two goals.
I am going to go against the trend here and say I think neither team deserved to win! The quality of all teams in this World Cup has been poor, and Brazil are probably the worst team to ever win. As a neutral I tuned in to be entertained, but was disappointed by the play of both teams. I salute Ronaldo, not Brazil.
Brazil won their fifth World Cup title because of their superior individual talents, group discipline, and their historic tactical brilliance. The game of soccer was the winner today.
This World Cup was won and lost in the early rounds. The only sides that might have defeated Brazil were Argentina, Italy and Spain, all of which suffered either bad performances or bad luck.
Hugh Payne, England
Brazil deserved to win because they played the more positive football. Germany did their best to contain them, but with talent like the three R's it was only a matter of time.
As usual, Germany played well and even brought some danger to the Brazilian defence. In the end the best team won though. I'm happy for Ronaldo after all the suffering that he has had to endure.
Mario Treglia, Brazilian in Japan
Brazil, Brazil, Brazil, Brazil and Brazil. Five times Brazil!
Umba Bara Uma, Brazil
Brazil play not only the best football, but the most attractive. Power, style, poetry in motion - nobody even came close.
Congratulations to the Brazilian team and especially to Ronaldo. The guy isn't even 100 percent fit but he still ends up scoring eight goals!
Mohammed Surty, England
They deserved to win because they have been shining and consistent throughout the tournament. What I like most about the Brazilian team is that they play entertaining football. The Brazilian style of play has proven that attack is the best form of defence.
Brazil's triumph was a victory for football. It proves that the ultimate prize goes to those who dare to attack and value talent instead of collective technique and strength. The Cup is in safe hands. Brazil are worthy Champions!
Antonio Rache, Brazil
Germany played their best game of the tournament but it was not enough to stop the Samba boys. Brazil usually bring out the best in their opponents.
Germany played well today. They played as a team and had good chances but at the end of the day they didn't deserve to be in the final - their path was too easy. I wouldn't say Brazil deserved to win this tournament, but neither did Germany.
The Brazilian side deserved it, and the fact that the German team played so well just made the championship more valuable.
The far superior team won today, and Brazil should be proud of all their accomplishments. Well deserved!
Daniel, United States
If there is a groove to soccer, it is salsa.
Murat Menguc, Turkey
Congratulations to Brazil, but to the German team as well. They lost against a better team today. Nevertheless they showed the world, that they deserved to be in the final.
Congratulations to the Brazilian team on their success. The better team won today despite all the missed chances on both sides. Well played Germany, especially Oliver Kahn.
Peter Sender, Germany
It was great to have made it this far, proving critics like Beckenbauer wrong. Good luck in 2006 - I think Germany is going to win the next World Cup.
I'm glad Germany lost. Oliver Kahn simply got too lippy a few days before the game and here in Germany too many people took it for granted that Germany would win. This does not mean that I am overwhelmed by the Brasilians, I'm not. I feel they play schnick-schnack football which does not have the overall entertainment factor of good european football.
Phil in Germany, UK
We have the last say! Brasil; five times Champions!
Although Brazil have beaten us (Turkey) I think they are worthy champions as they showed the best performance throughout the tournament. Germany just were not good enough to become world champions.