Soccer: Ronaldo in the mood to run riot

ULSAN - Ronaldo, fresh from an impressive return to the World Cup in Brazil's win over Turkey, has the perfect opportunity to continue his goal-scoring revival against depleted China tonight.

China, disappointed after losing their debut game 2-0 to Costa Rica, are likely to face the four-times champions without two of their top players, Fan Zhiyi and Sun Jihai. Both picked up injuries in Tuesday's match.

Brazil, who came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 thanks to a late and controversial penalty, can make sure of a second-round place if they beat China and Turkey fail to defeat Costa Rica tomorrow night.

The high point of Brazil's win over Turkey was the performance of Ronaldo, who is determined to wipe out memories of his injury nightmare and the controversy over his appearance in the 1998 final against France.

Against Turkey, the twice world player of the year scored Brazil's equaliser and was their most dangerous player until he was substituted in the 73rd minute.

"I was happy with my performance, but I can improve a lot, I know I'm on the right path," he said.

"It's an easy game in theory, but we have to transform it into an easy game. We have to play well to win without difficulties.

"We will be more relaxed and we will play better.

"It's a chance to boost our morale, gain in confidence and score goals."

Other Brazilians talked down a possible big score against China.

"If we win 1-0 it will be an excellent result for us because we will get three points and take a big step towards qualifying," captain Cafu said. "If we score four goals, all the better, but we have to score the first to get the fourth."

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari refused to join his compatriots in writing off the Chinese game as a foregone conclusion.

"Brazil respect China. I've said this three times and I'll repeat it for the fourth, we respect all our opponents. We are not going to belittle anyone.

"As far as we are concerned, they are still a strong team and we have to get the three points. If you don't think China are a strong team, we still do.

"Remember that Saudi Arabia were thrashed 8-0 in their first game to Germany, but lost by just the single goal to Cameroon in their second match."

China coach Bora Milutinovic, who has taken four different countries to the World Cup and has led each one beyond the first round, has demanded more concentration from his team.

"For such strong opponents we must improve our concentration and as much as possible prevent the opposition from controlling the ball.

"We must strengthen our tackling and formation. In the Costa Rica game, we lost the ball because our concentration was not good enough at some moments.

"The match against Brazil is also a pleasure for us because everybody knows what it means to be able to play Brazil.

"We will improve our own ability and level as much as possible."

Scolari confirmed that Brazil will make one change, with Anderson Polga replacing Edmilson in defence.

Probable teams:

Brazil: Marcos; Lucio, Anderson Polga, Roque Junior; Cafu, Gilberto Silva, Roberto Carlos, Juninho, Rivaldo; Ronaldo, Ronaldinho.



China: Jiang Jin; Zhang Enhua, Li Weifeng, Wu Chengying, Xu Yunlong; Li Xiaopeng, Qi Hong, Li Tie, Ma Mingyu; Hao Haidong, Yang Chen.

- REUTERS

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