Brazil stunned the footballing world in the summer of 2002 by becoming the most successful country in the history of the men's World Cup after defeating Germany 2-0 and winning their fifth championship there in the International stadium in Yokohama. It was the ideal end to a fantastic tournament because to the abundance of talent there, including Golden Boot winner Ronaldo "O Fenomeno" Nazario, Ronaldinho, Cafu, and Rivaldo. Brazilians felt vindicated against great Europe after losing to France four years earlier as Luiz Felipe Scolari's team emulated the epic triumph of 1970 by winning every match in the campaign.

After the game, Scolari stated, "I feel satisfaction, a thrill that the people of Brazil are feeling right now. "The relief of knowing we completed our task, but it required a lot of laborious work. That Brazil returned as world champs is something we cannot forget.

People in Brazil rejoiced in the victory and the fact that the Selecao was once again at the top of soccer royalty as they paraded through the streets for days. Speaking of royalty, the Japanese emperor Akihito was unable to attend the ceremony due to national protocol, but the Brazilians didn't care because Pele, their footballing monarch, gave Cafu the trophy in his place.

"I experienced an extraordinary event in my life.