Day’s World Cup Final is emotional rollercoaster

I played in two finals for Brazil, losing to France in 1998 and winning against Germany four years later, so I’ve experienced both the agony and the ecstasy of football’s biggest game.

And believe me, the players will know just how big the occasion is as soon as they step out on to the pitch this afternoon.

Some of them won’t have slept too much last night.

That is normal before such a huge game.

I was always really nervous before finals, and 2002 was one of the worst because of what had happened in Paris.

Ronaldo and Rivaldo were calm and seemed to take it all in their stride, but I was really anxious.

The important thing is to use that energy, to be in the right frame of mind when the whistle blows.

Not many people have the opportunity to play in a World Cup Final, so you have to make the most of it when it happens to you.

It’s a unique experience – you have to give it your best and express all your ability.

Most of the players in this final had a long season in Europe, so there will be fatigue. After 60 or 70 minutes, you definitely feel it in your legs.

But when you prepare for a match like this, the mental side is far more important than fitness. These games are decided in the small details, so concentration and motivation are vital, even if your body is struggling.

A lot of that has to come from within, but the managers can help.

In 2002, Luiz Felipe Scolari showed us a video with messages from our loved ones and Brazil fans, to show us that the nation was behind us.

That was a big boost for us all.

And if you win it... wow,