Roberto Carlos recalls shot that injured captain hours before 2002 World Cup
A single shot from legendary forward Rivaldo jeopardised Brazil’s World Cup hopes in 2002.
The iconic former Barcelona striker blasted five excellent goals on the way to lifting the South American’s fifth World Cup in 2002. However, one of his laser like shots nearly ended their tournament hopes before they even started, as it accidentally injured Brazil captain Emerson.
While the image of Cafu lifting the trophy is etched into the minds of those who watched the tournament in South Korea. However, the AC Milan full-back would not have worn the armband, had Rivaldo’s effort not caused Emerson to dislocate his shoulder.
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“He wanted to be a goalkeeper,” Brazilian sensation Roberto Carlos said, when quizzed upon the unfortunate episode. “Rivaldo hit it right in the bottom corner.
“When he went to get the ball, his arm went. We believe a lot in God. What has to happen, has to happen.” Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side and millions of Brazilians at home were devastated by the news of their captain’s injury.
And former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva, who also witnessed the unfortunate incident, further elaborated how Emerson found himself between the sticks. “It was tradition that the day before a game, we would mix up the players,” Gilberto added. “We would choose the players.
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“Roberto would have his team, I would have my team, we would choose the teams. The goalkeepers would play in right back, centre back, wherever.
“Some of the outfield players would go in goal. With Emerson it was an accident. When Rivaldo took the shot, he was side on, but he [Emerson] unfortunately dislocated his shoulder.
“It was tough, you know, because it was one day before the first game. It was a tough time for him, for us as a team, and also for Scolari to make a decision.”
Roberto Carlos and Gilberto Silva were speaking at the premier of 'Brazil 2002:The Real Story' a documentary produced by Entourage Sport & Entertainment and Collective Media, available now on Sky Documentaries
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