Where were you when Ronaldinho lobbed David Seaman in England’s quarter-final game against Brazil at the 2002 World Cup? For Toby Moses, the Guardian's head of newsletters, the moment came while sitting in an exam hall for his English A Level exam.
A painful memory for England fans
More than two decades ago, England faced Brazil in a crucial World Cup quarter-final. The match is remembered for Ronaldinho's audacious free-kick that sailed over David Seaman's head, securing a 2-1 victory for Brazil. For Moses, the timing was particularly cruel as he was forced to follow the match while completing his exam.
“I was in the middle of my English A Level exam, and someone passed me a note with the score,” Moses recalled. “It was heartbreak, but maybe this time England can go further.”
Looking ahead to future tournaments
England's 2002 campaign ended in disappointment, but the team has since shown promise in subsequent World Cups. The 2026 tournament offers another chance for redemption. Fans hope the current squad can surpass the quarter-final stage and potentially bring home the trophy.
For Moses, the memory remains vivid. “I’ll never forget that lob,” he said. “But I’m hopeful for the future.”
