The French missed out on European glory on Sunday night but the nation had something to celebrate for what was a memorable night in Paris 18 years ago today. At the Stade deFrance, defending champions Brazil stood in the way of Les Bleus, who reached the final for the first time.

Pre-match talk was all about one man – Ronaldo, who after being left out of the team sheet due to injury, was announced he would eventually play.

The Brazilian could not add to his four goals as a brace from Zinedine Zidane, who was later named man of the match, and Emmanuel Petit wrapped up a comfortable 3-0 triumph as France won their first ever World Cup.

Memorable events on this day:

1932: Hedley Verity establishes a first-class record by taking all 10 wickets for 10 runs against Notts.

1954: The Major League Baseball Players Association is founded.