England were undone in Mexico by the brilliance of Jairzinho and in Shizuoka it was Ronaldinho who brought an end to a courageous campaign - shortly before he was sent-off.
David Beckham and his team-mates will know a chance of World Cup glory has gone begging, given that pre-tournament favourites Italy, France and Argentina had already been eliminated.
But Beckham did not lay the blame for England's exit on Seaman and said: "If anyone makes a scapegoat out of David after that it will be an absolute disgrace.
"He's been the best goalkeeper in the tournament. It was a freak goal - a cross that ended up in the net."
A disconsolate Seaman added: "It's very hard to take. That's
just life for a goalkeeper.
"I just want to say I'm sorry to all the fans, sorry
to the people I've let down today.
"That's just the way it goes. I can only blame myself."
Brazil will now go in search of their fifth world crown and the omens could not be better for Felipe Scolari's star-studded outfit.
They have gone on to lift the trophy on the three previous occasions when they have met and beaten England in the competition.
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