But tonight is a special game, and out of those 90 minutes, 15, at least, will make history. Ronaldo will wear his green and yellow shirt marked with the number nine one final time. The second best scorer in the Selecao’s history*, is saying his farewells to the National Team.
It will be an occasion for players and coaches to show their appreciation to the man who inspired an entire generation of Brazilian players.
"He is the best partner I ever had," Rivaldo said. "It was a chance, as well as a joy and privilege to play with him. He knew the way I touched the ball and it was therefore very easy to play with him."
Rivaldo said that his best memory with Ronaldo was during the 2002 World Cup, "everybody had doubts about the both of us, but we played well and won the title".
In the final against Germany, Rivaldo, as it was often the case, was at the start of the actions that led to Ronaldo’s goals. He also recalled the 1999 Copa America: "We were considered as the gunners, as we both scored five goals."
Luiz Felipe Scorali, Brazil’s coach in the 2002 win, also paid his respect to the Fenomeno: "This farewell game is right. It is the right time to do it as well. He stopped playing not long ago and will close his career in the town where he started it [Sao Paulo]."
Felipao remembered the 2002 campaign and when he took the decision to select Ronaldo in the World Cup team: "When he worked with us he was fantastic. He did what the doctors asked, he worked with the team, and dedicated himself to it, that is why I called him for the World Cup."
*he scored 67 goals for the Selecao, Pele scored 95.
