[Blog] 1998 - France First World Cup

By Rama Valayden, Senior Counsel

In 1998 I was leader of the "Mouvement Republicain" and I caused a large screen to be installed at the headquarters which was located at Edward VII Street. So, I watched nearly all the matches with friends & supporters of Mouvement Republicain at the centre.

What are my memories?
I remember the Dennis Bergkamp's goal against Argentina – one of the greatest goals of any World Cup. Holland was playing against Argentina and Bergkamp scored the goal in the dying minutes to win 2-1.

I remember the red card given to David Beckham after dangerously flicking his leg (I don't remember which one) at Diego Simeone (actual coach of Atletico Madrid & longest coach in Europe) and thereby creating the atmosphere for elimination on penalties. Beckham was booed by other fans from the other English team for the red card. And was it not the micro-management by Sir Alex Ferguson David Beckham's career could have been over. For footnote history, David Beckham went on to win the treble with Manchester United.

I also remember the wonder goal of Michael Owen which he scored after outpacing the Argentinian defence. Michael Owen (who eventually played for Man United and scored a great goal against Manchester City)mcurled a magnificent shot into the top corner.
The Final - Brazil v France.
I was supporting Brazil because of El Fenomeno. And also because I was fed up with the constant chauvinist remarks of the French commentators and my mum was supporting France because she appreciated the humility of Zidane. On the day of the final, rumours were buzzing that Ronaldo is sick and has been sent to hospital. Ronaldo was suffering from a convulsive fit. He was sent to hospital and returned just minutes before kick off. Initially his name was not on the team sheet. And up to now we don't know how come his name was added. Ronaldo, for all to see, was visibly in a subdued state thus paving the way for France psychological dominance.

I remember how Zizou cemented his legacy by scoring two brilliant headers to a shocking 3-0 victory over Brazil to the great pleasure of Jacques Chirac (politically I am not for his opinions except his gallant stance against United States but God knows how much I like the person).

France's victory gave much comfort to all those fighting racism in France and to the dismay of Jean Marie Le Pen. On the front page of Liberation the next day was a photo of my friend Ramen in his car on the Champs Elysees brandishing the Mauritian flag and the tricolour...
I remember also how

Laurent Blanc (who also played for Manchester United) scored a golden goal to save France from elimination. It was the first ever World Cup golden goal and France was playing Paraguay.
Golden goal (used in 1998 & 2002) was removed because the rule did not work as teams became more Italian (playing defensive football over attacking football) and teams were playing stagnant football in extratime. I agree! I also think that the World Cup should not go to penalties after extratime but to replays like the old times of FA Cup replays...