Former Barcelona and Brazil star Rivaldo recalls Nigeria’s inspirational comeback against a star-studded Brazilian side during the semi-finals of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, USA to be one of the most difficult moments of his colourful football career, Soccernet.football reports.
In that game, Brazil looked to be coasting towards a routine victory as they led 3-1 in the 78th minute. However, a lost ball by Rivaldo saw the Nigerians capitalize and reduce their deficit to the odd goal.
The nightmare did not end there for Rivaldo and Brazil as Nwankwo Kanu drew the match level in stoppage time to send the game into extra-time. Kanu would eventually go on to score the winner in extra-time, sending the Africans into the final and forcing the mighty South-Americans to settle for third-place playoff.
Related Post
Rivaldo, who at the time played for Brazilian club Palmeiras, has now revealed that he had to endure loads of criticism from both the fans and the media while also dealing with the burden of letting his nation down.
“I had mixed emotions because I knew it was going to be difficult for me, because of the ball I lost, I felt it after the game,” the former Barca man revealed in a chat with Betfair. “I arrived in Brazil and I was heavily criticized by the press. Even on the street a lot of people were saying things to me.”
Brazil managed to win bronze that year but did little to placate the nation’s ired fans. “Happy and, at the same time, not happy,” Rivaldo continued about the Selecao emerging bronze medalists.
“Because I knew that everyone wanted the gold medal. Brazil now has two gold medals. Before, there was a lot of criticism of the players who went and did not get the gold medal. And the silver or bronze medal was worthless. The press and fans wanted us to be Olympic champions, but we did not get it .”
The consequences of Rivaldo’s costly mistake also extended to his place in the national team. The former attacking midfielder left out of Brazil’s 1997 Copa America squad, a tournament they went on to win.
“I didn’t play in the 1997 Copa América. Brazil was the champion, and I didn’t play. I think it was more because of the Olympic Games, which were held in 1996. In the semi-final against Nigeria, I played in midfield, lost the ball and Nigeria made it 3-2.
“After that goal, Nigeria made it 3-3, 4-3 and eliminated Brazil . And I didn’t play for the Brazilian national team for a year […] I was marked, and I received a lot of criticism.”
Nevertheless, Rivaldo went on to have hugely successful international and club career, winning the Copa America and World Cup with Brazil in 98/99 and 2002 respectively. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1999 and enjoyed decorated stints at Barcelona and AC Milan.
