Welcome to my new blog, which has been created for the launch of my first book, World Cup 1998: Scotland’s Story.
As part of my book launch, to connect with more readers, I have decided to give away a free article, which complements the main book itself. Here’s a taster..
BONUS ARTICLE
O FENÔMENO – Ronaldo’s France 98 Story
When researching tournament favourites Brazil for World Cup 1998: Scotland’s Story, it was impossible not to be captivated by the drama of the Seleção’s France 98 story. When considering World Cup 1998 in-depth, the stories from Brazil’s journey defined the tournament, so, with themes so strong, I decided that I should address them in an additional chapter. Ultimately, what football fan does not want to read a little more about Brazil?
As we know, Scotland exited France 98 in the first round. This was not ideal, but it was also, ultimately, not an overwhelming surprise to the Scottish public. Due to numerous past disappointments, Scottish football fans instinctively brace themselves for such tournament exits and their expectations are generally realistic, or even pessimistic, of such football matters. Not so in Brazil, where football binds the fabric of their society, superseding politics and religion in importance. This is a country where a World Cup Final defeat for the national team can lead to the players and head coach being cited to attend the highest court in the land to explain their loss. This is not fiction, but what actually transpired in Brazil in November 2000, over two years after their heavy 3–0 defeat to hosts France in the 1998 World Cup Final. How then does a nation find itself in such a unique position when it comes to football?