SHIZUOKA, Japan (Reuters) - Emotional England goalkeeper David Seaman has apologised to the fans after conceding a goal from a long-range free kick by Ronaldinho that sealed a 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Brazil.

 

Though the England players strongly defended the 38-year-old, describing Ronaldinho's dipping 35-metre effort as a "freak" and "a fluke", Seaman was full of remorse.

 

"My main thing is that I just want to say sorry to the fans," he said on Friday.

 

Asked about the response from his England team mates after the final whistle of the 2-1 loss, Seaman said: "They've just been encouraging, they've been fantastic.

 

"They've just been saying 'just forget it' -- 'you kept us in this tournament, things like that'."

 

Seaman, who was then too overcome to continue with the interview, had also been in tears after the final whistle, when he was consoled by England captain David Beckham.

 

Beckham stuck up for his keeper and insisted the Brazilian's strike was both unintentional and a freak.

 

"If anyone tries to make a scapegoat out of David Seaman I think it would be an absolute disgrace because I think he's been the best goalkeeper in this tournament," Beckham said.

 

"The goal wasn't his fault. It was a fluke goal that was a cross that ended up being a goal."

 

MOUNTAIN SEAMAN

 

England midfielder Trevor Sinclair, who also described Ronaldinho's winner as "a freak goal", paid tribute to Seaman.

 

"He's been a mountain over the last decade for England and to see someone of his stature cry just shows how much it means to him.

 

"We don't blame him for anything. He's been brilliant and I feel privileged to play alongside him."

 

Asked if he thought Seaman should continue his international career: "I definitely do, because he's still the best."

 

Michael Owen, who had given England a 23rd-minute lead with his second goal in as many games, was also in no doubt about Ronaldinho's strike.

 

"They scored with a freak free kick that went in the top corner that I don't think he could ever do again," Owen said.

 

I agree with the above comments, just because we're out I don't see much point in one person having to shoulder the burden and guilt for what was at the end of the day, the whole teams failure!

 

REZPECT to the England squad and I think good things are to come in the future with the European Championships and the next World Cup with such a talented side.

 

 

 

 

 

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i thought paul scholes had a stinker!

he set up 1 goal ,and give the free kick for another,shame it was for the wrong side.

david seaman could stay in goal for another 4 years for me.if hes good enough for arsenal then id say hes good enough for england.then again lets have calamity james in goal!!no chance!