Ronaldinho did mean to lob England goalkeeper David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup, according to his former Brazil team-mate Rivaldo.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's team crashed out of the tournament in the quarter-finals when they suffered a 2-1 defeat to eventual winners Brazil, Ronaldinho scoring an unforgettable winner in the second half.

The Barcelona legend, then in the early stages of his career, caught Seaman off-guard when he found the top corner with a free-kick from the right, over 40 yards from goal.

Ronaldinho shoots to score Brazil's winning goal against England at the 2002 World cup

Fans have speculated over the years as to whether or not Ronaldinho did it on purpose, or if it was a fortuitous over-hit cross.

And Rivaldo, who scored Brazil's other goal that day, insists it was no fluke.

The 47-year-old told Betfair: 'I remember well that match against England at World Cup 2002 in which we won 2-1.

'Ronaldinho gave a brilliant performance that day, setting up an excellent play and assisting me for our first goal.

Rivaldo (L) insists his Brazil team-mate meant to find the net with the long range free-kick

'My goal was important for us, as we managed to equalise right before half-time.

'Then at the second half, he scored that famous goal from way outside the box that surprised David Seaman and all the world, me included.

'I never thought he could try such strike, but it worked perfectly.

'After the match, he told me that he knew that Seaman had that tendency to take one or two steps forward at free kicks and so he tried to surprise him.'