On This Day – June 30: World Cup Finals, Golden Goals, and Football Legends

Historic Football Events on June 30

2002 – Brazil Wins Fifth World Cup Title Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final in Yokohama, Japan. Ronaldo scored twice, completing a remarkable comeback from injury and securing his place among the game’s all-time greats. Brazil became the first nation to win five World Cups.
1996 – Germany Wins Euro 96 on Golden Goal Germany beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the Euro 1996 Final at Wembley Stadium. Oliver Bierhoff scored the first-ever golden goal in a major international final, giving Germany their third European Championship.
2018 – Russia Stuns Spain in Penalty Shootout Hosts Russia eliminated Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup after a 1-1 draw and a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was the hero, saving two penalties and sending the Luzhniki Stadium into jubilation.
2014 – Netherlands Defeat Mexico in Late Comeback In a Round of 16 clash, the Netherlands came from behind to beat Mexico 2-1. Wesley Sneijder equalized in the 88th minute, and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar converted a controversial stoppage-time penalty to seal the win.
2010 – Spain Edges Past Portugal to Reach Quarter-Finals Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup thanks to a David Villa goal. It was part of Spain’s historic run to their first World Cup title.

Cody Gakpo (1999) – Dutch forward known for his pace, finishing, and performances for PSV, the Netherlands national team, and Liverpool.
Adem Ljajić (1991) – Serbian attacking midfielder who played in Serie A and the Turkish Süper Lig, known for his technical skill.
Papa Bouba Diop (1978–2020) – Senegalese midfielder, remembered for scoring the famous goal against France in the 2002 World Cup opener.
Tony Fernandes (1964) – Malaysian entrepreneur and former chairman of Queens Park Rangers, known for his involvement in football club management.
Radosław Majewski (1986) – Polish midfielder who played for Nottingham Forest and represented Poland internationally.

Ronaldo’s Redemption (2002): After missing the 1998 final due to health issues, Ronaldo returned to lead Brazil to glory with two goals in the final. His eight goals in the tournament won him the Golden Boot.
Golden Goal Glory (1996): Oliver Bierhoff’s sudden-death winner was the first use of the golden goal rule in a major final, and it ended the tournament in dramatic fashion for Germany.
Akinfeev’s Heroics (2018): The Russian goalkeeper became a national hero after stopping Koke and Iago Aspas in the penalty shootout, helping Russia reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1970.
Diop’s Legacy (2002): Born on this day, Papa Bouba Diop gave Senegal a historic start to their World Cup debut by scoring the only goal against defending champions France, setting the tone for their legendary 2002 campaign.

Who scored the only two goals in the 2002 World Cup Final?

Answer: Ronaldo (Brazil).

“The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.” — Pelé