The Story of the 1998 World Cup — Zidane's Final and France's Triumph

France 1998 was the World Cup that gave the host nation their first world title, that produced one of the most talked-about match-day mysteries in the tournament's history, and that delivered a moment of individual brilliance — Zinedine Zidane's two-headed double in the final — that the nation will celebrate for as long as football is played.

England vs Argentina — Michael Owen's Goal

England met Argentina in the Round of 16 in a match that contained as many incidents as most tournaments manage across an entire group stage. Argentina led through Gabriel Batistuta's penalty. Alan Shearer equalised for England. Then, in the 16th minute, a barely eighteen-year-old Michael Owen picked up the ball just inside his own half, ran at the Argentine defence at pace, beat two defenders, and drove the ball past the goalkeeper. It was one of the great individual World Cup goals — direct, explosive, utterly confident.

David Beckham was sent off for retaliating against Diego Simeone. Ten-man England held Argentina to 2-2 at full time and through extra time before losing on penalties. Sol Campbell had a headed goal disallowed for a foul by Alan Shearer. It remains one of the most controversial disallowances in England's World Cup history.

The Ronaldo Mystery

The night before the final between France and Brazil, Brazilian forward Ronaldo — the most dangerous striker in world football at the time, fresh from a devastating tournament — was officially confirmed in the starting eleven. Then his name was withdrawn from the teamsheet. Then it was reinstated. He played. He was poor — listless, disoriented, a shadow of the player who had terrified defences throughout the tournament.

Reports emerged that Ronaldo had suffered a convulsive fit the previous evening. Exactly what happened, who made the decision for him to play, and why the decision was made, has never been fully established. He played. Brazil lost 3-0. Zidane scored twice with headers from corners. Emmanuel Petit scored a third in injury time.

France — Champions of the World

Zinedine Zidane's name was illuminated on the Arc de Triomphe that night. Three million people celebrated in Paris. France — a multicultural team that embodied the diversity of the French Republic — had won the World Cup on home soil, defeating the defending champions in the final. It was the greatest night in French sporting history.

Zidane had been suspended for the group stage through a red card. He returned for the knockout rounds and was at his most imperious throughout. In the final, two second-half headers from corner kicks made him a national legend before half-time. Petít's third in injury time sealed it.

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