Ronaldo equals record as Brazil thrash Japan 4-1

Written by , 27.06 10h59

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Ronaldo today became the joint highest scorer in World Cup history getting a brace against Japan. The much criticized 29-year-old headed in an equalizer before half-time and then curled in his 14th finals goal at the end to go level with Gerd Muller.

Brazil had dominated the much of the first half but fell behind to a well worked goal from Keiji Tamada's, who hit a left-foot drive past Dida (34 min). But on the stroke of half time Ronaldo converted Cicinho's perfect cross to head home and draw level.

Brazil came out strong at the start of the second half with Juninho Pernambucano making it 2-1 with a drive from 40 yards out (53 min) which the Japanese goal keeper let passed him.

Brazil continued to stretch the Japanese team with Gilberto breaking through on the left and driving home a fine strike along the floor across the goal keeper into the back of the net (60 mins).

Brazil's domination was complete when Ronaldo reminded the world of his ability with his second goal of the game. The Japanese goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi could do little about it as Ronaldo arches his back and drives the ball beautifully into the back of the net from 20 yards out.

Carlos Alberto Parreira will be pleased with Brazil's performance and extra pleased with Ronaldo's pay back for his faith. Brazil have improved with each game so far and having know topped group F Brazil will face Ghana on the 27th of June.

Teams:

Japan: Kawaguchi, Santos, Tsuboi, Kaji, Nakazawa, Hidetoshi Nakata, Ogasawara, Nakamura, Inamoto, Maki, Tamada.
Subs: Doi, Endo, Fukunishi, Komano, Moniwa, Koji Nakata, Narazaki, Oguro, Ono, Takahara, Yanagisawa.

Brazil: Dida, Lucio, Juan, Cicinho, Gilberto, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Silva, Juninho, Ronaldo, Robinho.
Subs: Adriano, Cafu, Carlos, Cris, Emerson, Fred, Julio Cesar, Luisao, Mineiro, Ricardinho (71 min), Rogerio (80min), Ze Roberto (71 min).

Referee: Eric Poulat (France)

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