Soccer: Ronaldo aims to deliver top tally back to Brazil

KOBE - Ronaldo has promised to keep the goals flowing as he attempts to become the first Brazilian player to finish top scorer at a cup since 1950.

"I'm going to do everything I can to improve on this tally," said Ronaldo. "My performance has been good, I'm still improving and I'm sure I can score more goals."

Twice World Player of the Year, Ronaldo finished the first round with four goals, thanks to a helping hand from Fifa, who awarded him the first Brazilian goal against Costa Rica even though replays showed defender Luis Marin put the ball into his own net.

He is returning to his best after more than two years of injury frustration and has already equalled his 1998 goal total.

Ademir, who hit nine goals in the 1950 tournament, was the last Brazilian to finish as outright top scorer. Twelve years later, Vava and Garrincha were joint top scorers with several other players as they scored four apiece.

"Anything can be bettered," said Ronaldo. "I'm going to keep battling for more, though my main objective is always to win a fifth title for Brazil."

Ronaldo's next chance comes in the second round clash with Belgium tonight.

Both he and Rivaldo, who has three goals to his credit, are on course to emulate Jairzinho, who scored in every game when Brazil won the cup in 1970.

Scolari is almost certain to field the same team which started the first round match against China, with left-back Roberto Carlos, defender Roque Junior and attacking midfielder Ronaldinho returning to the starting line-up.

The trio were rested for the 5-2 win over Costa Rica.

As for the Belgians, they will approach the game in their normal fearless and wholly committed style, hoping their sheer commitment can give them a chance of an upset victory.

The winners will go through to meet England in a quarter-final in Shizuoka.

- REUTERS

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