Soccer: Brazil's two Rs more than match pre-cup hype

YOKOHAMA - In a World Cup that has featured shock results rather than individual brilliance, Ronaldo and Rivaldo are the only players who have fully lived up to their rave pre-tournament ratings.

Gabriel Batistuta has gone home with Argentina, David Beckham has just regained full fitness, Michael Owen's talent has flickered without shining brightly and Francesco Totti is still to make an indelible mark.

However, you can always rely on the Brazilians at a World Cup. With at least a goal each in the first four matches, Rivaldo and Ronaldo have demonstrated that while teamwork and tactics can take a side so far, a splash of genius always helps.

Ronaldo's ball control, vision and ability to withstand tackles are unrivalled among modern strikers. Three years of injury problems had led to serious doubts that he would ever repeat the goalscoring feats that won him the World Player of the Year award in 1996 and 1997.

It is now clear that Ronaldo is close to his best again but, while the toothy grin is still there, he appears more focused and determined to prove he is the best of the best.

Before the finals began, the 25-year-old told fans to bet on him becoming the top scorer. His increasing frustration during the 2-0 defeat of Belgium on Monday as he failed to find the target showed how much this individual prize means to him.

Ronaldo has five goals, the same number as Germany's Miroslav Klose, before Friday's quarter-final against England after finally scoring against Belgium in the 87th minute.

In Ronaldo's sights is also the feat of Jairzinho, who scored in all six of Brazil's games when they won the cup in 1970.

Rivaldo is also on course for that landmark after a superb start to the tournament, tarnished by his play-acting in the game against Turkey that helped get an opponent sent off.

The Brazilian forward's speed, wonderful left foot and partnership with Roberto Carlos down the left flank turns defence into attack in the blink of an eye. He seems to have benefited from a spell out injured just before the tournament and has appeared tireless in the heat.

Rivaldo's 67th-minute goal against Belgium was a superb example of his skill, controlling a pass on his chest with back to goal, bringing the ball instantly under control with his next touch and scoring on the turn with a deflected left-foot shot.

Like Ronaldo, Rivaldo feels he has something to prove as Brazilian fans have often doubted his commitment to the team's cause. They both agree victory in the final on June 30 would prove their points nicely.

"The duet is working," Rivaldo said. "Ronaldo's got five, I've got four and let's hope we keep it up."

The pair insisted that their team came before personal ambitions to finish as top scorer.

"I'm not worried about being top scorer, my aim is to be champion," said Rivaldo. "If Ronaldo ends as top scorer, I will be happy."

- REUTERS

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