A RONALDO-inspired Brazil battled back from a goal down to beat Japan and eliminate the Asian champions from the tournament.

YOSHIKATSU KAWAGUCHI put in an inspired performance between the posts for Japan as the Asian champions kept their slim World Cup hopes alive yesterday.

TIM CAHILL scored twice in the last six minutes and John Aloisi added a third in injury time as Australia made a winning return to the World Cup finals with a dramatic victory over Japan.