Zagallo had determined that Ronaldo was not fit to play but the players refused to go out if the World Player of The Year was not in the team.

It emerged that Ronaldo had been taken to hospital for a check-up just before the match and only arrived at the Stade de France 45 minutes before the kick-off.

Zagallo said: "We suffered from the shock in that Ronaldo was not fit to play. It was a major psychological blow."

"Everybody was very upset and very down and the team played to less than their full potential."

"It was indicative of the major problem with Ronaldo. It is true that when the team sheet first came out he was not on it -- he was really not fit to play," the Brazil coach said.

Zagallo left him off the team-sheet issued 72 minutes before kick-off but was apparently forced to charge his mind by the players whorefused to go out if Ronaldo could not play.

Quite exactly what was wrong with Ronaldo was unclear. In the days leading up to the match, there had been rumour that the Inter Milan striker was suffering from a knee injury while other reports spoke of an ankle problem.

Brazil team doctor Lidio Toledo added another explanation. "Ronaldo felt ill after dinner. But he had a rest and afterwards he felt better, so he was able to play."

Zagallo stormed out of the post-World Cup final press conference in a rage after being questioned about Ronaldo.

"It was not for tactical reasons and it really affected us," was all he would say.

There has been talk throughout this World Cup that Ronaldo has needed pain-killing injections before each match and that he was unable to cope with the pressure.

Roberto Carlos pleaded for Ronaldo to be left alone.

"He's under more pressure than anybody else in the world and all that's happened today has left him very distressed," said the Real Madrid defender.

"I have a wife,family and children to go home to, but he doesn't have that. Ronaldo doesn't have the support you need. I urge everyone just to leave the boy alone."

But Bebeto hinted that his strike partner's injury problems were not the only cause for concern.

"Before the game we were worried about his condition and the way he was thinking," said Bebeto.