But there is something about the World Cup that brings out Ronaldo's best. He
scored a tournament-best eight goals in seven games in 2002, helping Brazil to
an unbeaten record and its fifth World Cup title, scoring both goals in the
championship game. He was world player of the year for a third time.
His challenge this time around might have been even greater. At 29, he's no
longer the quick, dazzling player he once was. Those extra pounds he's packed on
over the years don't help. His personal life makes him the stuff of tabloid
fodder.
He played sparingly, and quietly, for Real Madrid last season because of a
series of injuries, and it was clear his aura was gone. Former French star
Michel Platini said Ronaldo "has too many years" and was "carrying too many
kilos." Even Pele knocked him.
When he showed up for training camp, he wasn't allowed to play with his
friends because he was overweight and out of shape. Brazil's president touched
off a spat that spanned the Atlantic Ocean when he asked if Ronaldo was fat.
And after uninspiring performances in Brazil's first two games, against
Croatia and Australia, some even suggested he be dropped from the starting
lineup. Pele would never have gotten dissed like that.
"Ronaldo is important for what he represents to the national team," Parreira
said then. "He still deserves to be trusted."
As if to remind everyone why, Ronaldo scored twice in Brazil's final group
game against Japan. On Tuesday, he scored one of the most dazzling goals of the
World Cup.
In the fifth minute, he bolted past three defenders to get a perfect through
pass from Kaka. Going one-on-one with Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson, Ronaldo
gave the ball a tap and then used a stepover move that sent Kingson flailing to
the ground. Looking as if he was going to fake right, Ronaldo danced his foot
back over and around the ball as Kingson fell over.
With the goal empty, Ghana defender John Pantsil sprinted to try and cut
Ronaldo off. It's done many times these days, but not this time. From about 10
yards out, Ronaldo gave the ball a little shove with the side of his right foot.
As the ball settled into the net, Ronaldo screamed for joy. Kaka and Adriano
bear-hugged him, and the rest quickly piled on, turning him into a human mosh
pit.
"It was," teammate Roberto Carlos said, "perfect."
