Rivaldo - looking to prove critics wrong (Allsport)

By Mark Bradley, PA Sport Chief Soccer Writer, Yokohama

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Rivaldo revealed his determination to make the most of his second chance to secure a World Cup triumph as he hit back at pre-final criticism by French legend Michel Platini.

Rivaldo was in the Brazilian team hailed as favourites before the 1998 final against France only to collapse tamely to a 3-0 defeat as Ronaldo suffered the after-effects of a pre-match seizure.

Few players have the opportunity to make amends for such a huge setback so quickly, but Brazil are back in the final on Sunday against Germany for their third consecutive appearance.

Against a German side who have already exceeded all expectations, they are conscious that they cannot afford to waste another golden opportunity again.

After all, they only scraped to victory in 1994 in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw against Italy - from which captain Cafu is the only surviving starter - and have therefore failed to score in their past two final appearances.

At the age of 30, Rivaldo knows that this could easily be his last chance to secure a World Cup winner's medal.

"I am lucky to be playing in my second final as I know what it means. I had one chance and we didn't win then but I won't miss out this time too," he declared.

"I know it's a hard game and we will have to overcome Germany but if you want to be world champions, you have to overcome any team.

"I am not worried about them though, I'm happy to be in the final again."

Brazil will be at full strength for Sunday's game, with Ronaldo having confirmed his fitness after a thigh problem, although he dodged the world's media as he attempted to avoid further questions over his problems four years ago.

Ronaldinho is set to return after a one-match ban at the expense of Edilson and is one of four Brazil players - also including Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos - shortlisted as the tournament's best player.

Platini has nevertheless still reportedly seen fit to insist that, although he admires Rivaldo as an all-round player, he believes the Barcelona midfielder is too 'individual'.

Rivaldo, a former FIFA World Footballer of the Year, responded: "Some people say good things about me and others say bad things.

"But as long as I'm happy about what I'm doing, then I'll carry on doing it. I'm still the same boy, just trying to improve, but I know what's good for me."

That was in marked contrast to his reaction to praise from Diego Maradona, who has been allowed into Japan in time for Sunday's final despite his drugs conviction.

"Maradona spoke well about me and I have to thank him as Maradona is an intelligent man. I saw when I was a child and I liked his way of playing," added Rivaldo.

What kind of game the former Argentina international witnesses may define just how a tournament in which shocks have so far prevailed over genuine class is remembered.

The final pits the tournament's most potent attack, with 16 goals in six Brazilian wins, against the most effective defence, with Oliver Kahn having so far only been beaten by Ireland's Robbie Keane.

Brazil defender Lucio believes that the suspension which rules out his Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Michael Ballack will also affect the penetration of the German midfield.

Ballack has scored the winner in the Germans' past two narrow victories, both by a single goal amid defensive-orientated displays, but his second caution of the tournament against Korea has cost him dearly.

Lucio insisted: "With the absence of Ballack, Germany will lose a lot of their quality as he is the most important player for them.

"He's the one who plays very technically, although his replacement will also have qualities and will want to show them."

Brazil's only real problem will be if Rudi Voller's side manage to seize the lead and then attempt to soak up all of their opponents' attacking pressure.

For, in Kahn, they have a goalkeeper who has so far shown himself to be the best in the world as he has pulled off save after spectacular save at this World Cup.

Brazil counterpart Marcos admitted: "Germany are a good team. They have many experienced players, anchored by the best goalkeeper in the world."

Germany are by no means a great team, however. Neither are Brazil - yet - but they do have great individuals.

This is their chance to shine and, as Rivaldo knows, most of them will not get a third chance.