Just two days before celebrating Bastille Day, or French National Day, France triumphed in the World Cup for the first time, beating defending champion Brazil on home soil in 1998. The two nations met at Stade de France in Saint-Denis as Zinedine Zidane provided a brace to propel France to a 3-0 victory.
Zidane first beat goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel in the 27th minute, before adding a second just before halftime. Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, meanwhile, was far from his best after suffering a convulsive fit in the lead-up to the final and couldn’t help Brazil get on the board. Zidane was named Man of the Match as France raised their first World Cup trophy.
Other memorable events on this day…
1932: Hedley Verity records firstclass cricket record by taking all 10 wickets against Nottinghamshire at Headingley.
1970: Jack Nicklaus wins the 99th Open Championship, shooting 283 at St Andrews, Scotland.
2005: The American League defeated the National League 7-5 in the 76th MLB All-Star Game at Comerica Park, Detroit.
