Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Ronaldo all smiles after seting up a new high

Brazil striker Ronaldo said he hoped he had given his countrymen and women cause to start partying after his goal in a 3-0 canter over Ghana made him the top scorer in World Cup history.
"I'm very happy with the result, and with breaking the record - but we win as a team. I get goals and on we go," grinned the 29-year-old Real Madrid star. His fifth-minute strike gave him 15 goals to take him past West German legend Gerd Muller's previous top haul of 14 goals to take the Brazilians into the quarter-finals. "Everything is about work. Nobody has given me a present," Ronaldo said. "All the things I have are by my work and the help of my partners."
The striker, criticised for a lethargic start to the tournament and apparent weight problems, made it three goals in his last two games after latching onto a brilliant pass from Kaka that left him free to win a one-on-one with Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson."The record had stood for seven World Cups so I am naturally very pleased to beat it," smiled Ronaldo. "I want more and more and more!"
Ronaldo was reluctant to put the record into historical perspective and ponder his place among the legends of the sport, instead saying that taking home the trophy as a team was more important. "I have no idea yet of the importance of the record. It could stay a record for years," Ronaldo said. "I'm very happy. But the principle aim in this tournament is victory."
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Ronaldo's name belongs atop the list of the game's greatest stars as well as top scorers. "That record belongs to him. He's on top of every other player in history. His name is right there," Parreira said. "He's a player for the big and great moments. I hope he's getting enough confidence for the quarter-finals. Ronaldo is going to be a big player in this World Cup."
Muller, world champion in 1974, saluted the hotshot from Rio.
"Even before the tournament started, it was obvious that he would get at least two goals and draw level, if not three and set a new record. It wasn't a surprise," the 60-year-old told the FIFA World Cup official website. "Although Ronaldo is now in his third World Cup, this is nevertheless still a great achievement on his part. "Playing at such a high level over such a long period of time, always managing to be fit at the right moment is unusual nowadays. In my opinion, he's the best, most complete attacker there is at the moment."
Posted by Samvit :: 12:08 PM :: 0 comments

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